personalized residence

A Journey to Nature

The client, a mother of two teenage daughters, sought to transform her existing single-story residence on a 12-perch plot into a home that would better support her family's evolving lifestyle and her own future retirement. Initially considering renovation, the design process revealed that a complete rebuild would offer far greater flexibility and potential. With thoughtful guidance, the client was convinced to proceed with new construction, allowing for a fully customized design that maximized spatial efficiency and responded directly to her needs.

 

A key priority was preserving the mature trees on the property, which became integral to the design concept. The new home harmonizes with its natural surroundings, embracing the client’s appreciation for organic textures and elements of vernacular architecture. The result is a dynamic spatial experience—both horizontally and vertically—where indoor and outdoor transitions are enriched by a play of light and shadow. Architectural gestures celebrate nature, creating a serene yet expressive environment that supports both family life and personal retreat.

 

 

A white paper lantern hanging from a ceiling with a dark, textured background and small decorative objects underneath.
Black and white photo of a staircase viewed from above in a multi-story building, with brick and smooth walls, railings, and a view of the lower level with parked cars.
Living room with large windows, black and striped furniture, a wooden coffee table, and a staircase with black railing on the left side.
Interior of a living room with a staircase on the left, a sitting area with black and striped furniture, and a large window with greenery outside.
Low-angle view of a modern multi-story residential building with exposed brick walls, concrete balconies, and lush green trees surrounding it, with exterior lighting turned on.
Interior of a cozy living room with wicker furniture, patterned pillows, brick walls, and a view of a backyard with trees through a doorway and window.
Interior view of a multi-story home with stairs, brick wall, and black metal railings, taken from the upper level looking down.
Interior of a modern home with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and black furniture, including a chair, a small table, and a padded cushion on the floor.
Interior of a cozy living room with brick walls, wood flooring, wicker furniture with cushions and patterned throw pillows, a gallery wall with photographs, and an open door leading outside.
A weathered stone bust of a woman's profile mounted on a wall surrounded by green plant leaves.
Decorative outdoor fountain with five smooth, rounded stone spheres of varying sizes on a brick ledge, set against a plain concrete wall with shadows and lush green plants nearby.
A bathroom with a white toilet on the left and a marble countertop with a vessel sink on the right. Items on the countertop include a red decorative object, a rolled towel, a soap dish, and a container with toothbrushes. There is a towel holder with
A bathroom featuring a white toilet, a bidet, and a natural tree branch across the room. The room has stone or concrete walls with three small rectangular windows allowing natural light.
A large white paper lantern hanging from a ceiling with a dark, textured background, possibly painted or decorated with abstract patterns.
A cozy bedroom with exposed brick walls, a bed with black and white bedding, a small black nightstand, wall art, an open window with a view of tropical trees and a tiled roof, and a bookshelf with a potted plant.
Dark hallway with a window showing a tree outside, windowsill decorated with seashells and a green plant, natural light entering from the open window.

personalized residence

The Transit

 

This residence was commissioned by a distinguished consultant surgeon who had served for over a decade in the Sri Lanka Army during humanitarian missions. As he approached retirement, he envisioned a tranquil home in Kurunegala where he could settle with his family. His wife, a practicing physician at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, joined him in articulating a clear vision: a peaceful, nurturing environment for their son and daughter, with spaces that foster both privacy and connection.

 

The site—a generously sized plot set back from the main road and bordered by crown land—naturally transitions into a forested landscape. This unique setting inspired a design that blurs the boundaries between built form and nature. The house was conceived as a journey through layered spatial experiences, beginning with a garden that acts as a transitional buffer between the forest and the residence.

 

A gentle slope at the site’s entrance was strategically utilized to enhance the architectural composition. The private entry begins with a gradual ascent from the garage to the kitchen, offering a discreet and functional circulation path for the family. In contrast, the public entry unfolds from the living area onto an elevated timber deck, which descends via a wooden ladder into a spacious front garden—designed to welcome guests in a more ceremonial manner.

 

To further integrate the home with its surroundings, a central courtyard was introduced, covered with a transparent roof that invites natural light while maintaining visual continuity with the forest canopy. At night, the surrounding woodland is softly illuminated from the house, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere. The residence thus becomes a transitional space—anchored between the cultivated calm of the courtyard and the untamed beauty of the forest beyond.

 

This project reflects a sensitive response to site, lifestyle, and legacy—honoring the client’s service, family values, and desire for a home that resonates with peace and permanence.

Green leafy plant hanging over a stone wall with green ground cover and a large rock below.
Black and white photo of a concrete bench with diamond-shaped tiles, next to a textured wall and a wooden floor.
Two red brick structures with triangular holes, surrounded by green trees and plants, with a paved driveway and grass in the foreground.
View from a porch showing greenery, brick walls, parked black car, and a small pathway.
View of a brick and wood balcony with a door and security gate, part of a residential building exterior.
Interior view of a modern house with a small indoor garden, stairs, and a dark brick wall, seen from a covered patio area.
A window with green shutters open, showing the interior of a room with a bar counter, bottles, and a curtain with a pattern, beside a stone wall and a lush green vine growing nearby.
View of a wooden door and outdoor balcony through a metal security screen door.
Indoor staircase with beige carpeting leading downwards, flanked by plain textured walls, one painted a light color and the other painted a dark color.
Concrete bench with small square tiles, next to a patch of green grass, against a stone wall in an indoor or outdoor setting.
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personalized residence

At Arangala

Modern multi-story residential building with large balconies, surrounded by green trees, under a partly cloudy sky.
Black and white photo of a rooftop balcony with a spiral staircase, metal railing, and a cloudy sky at sunset.
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personalized residence

Devine Insight

A Harmonious Fusion of Modernity and Spirituality

 

Engaging with My Client, who is a devoted Hindu, during the design process of his residence was a deeply enriching experience. Our dialogue not only helped crystallize his architectural requirements but also offered me profound insight into the cultural, spiritual, and lifestyle values of the Tamil Hindu community.

 

The project was situated on an 8-perch plot nestled within a densely populated residential enclave in the urban heart of Wellawatta. This context presented both spatial and cultural challenges, demanding a sensitive and thoughtful design approach.

 

Dr. Naveenkumar envisioned a contemporary home that would seamlessly integrate modern aesthetics with the spiritual essence of his faith. Inspired by his devotion and the vibrant traditions of Hinduism, I crafted architectural spaces that subtly evoke the divine presence of Lord Murugan, an embodiment of wisdom, strength, and virtue in Tamil Hindu belief.

 

The design employs a restrained material palette and a minimalist furniture layout, allowing the spiritual and cultural elements to take centre stage. Carefully selected colors and symbolic motifs were incorporated to reflect the sacred energy of the space, creating an environment that is both accommodating and spiritually resonant.

 

This project stands as a testament to the possibility of harmonizing modern living with deep-rooted cultural identity—where architecture becomes a vessel for both personal expression and spiritual connection.

 

Black metal staircase with wooden handrail against a textured blue wall.
Interior view of a staircase and balcony with black metal railings in a modern home, black and white photo
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