In the wake of the post-COVID era, outdoor intimate wedding venue has witnessed a surge in popularity. Our clients saw an opportunity to transform their family property, once a nursery, into a stunning outdoor wedding venue. Embracing the liberality of our clients, we embarked on a journey to create a unique and enchanting space. After visiting the site and witnessing the remnants of the nursery’s landscape, we were inspired to infuse the spirit of tropical modernism, inspired by the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa. The two villas, which were designed to serve as suites, also became an integral part of this transformation. Thus seamlessly blending with the new event space.
Editor’s Note: “Drawing inspiration from the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, this villa’s design is an ode to tropical modernism. It intertwines the verdant embrace of tropical foliage with the timeless grace of contemporary architecture, creating an ethereal setting for outdoor weddings. With walls of weathered rubble, ceilings woven from bamboo thatch, and furnishings crafted from natural cane and rattan, the villa embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability and elegance.” ~Simran Khare
A Tropical Bawa-Inspired Outdoor Wedding Venue | The Auburn Studio
Our design concept revolves around fusing the lush, tropical beauty of the landscape with the timeless elegance of modern architecture. Inspired by Geoffrey Bawa’s philosophy of harmonising architecture with nature, we aimed to create a venue that offers a serene, romantic, and sophisticated setting for weddings and events. Key design elements include embracing clean lines, natural materials, and a neutral colour palette to evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication.
Utilising sustainable construction methods and materials is in line with Bawa’s ethos. Maximising the use of natural light and ventilation provides a sense of connection with the tropical environment.
Given a 100’x100′ site, our vision was to optimize the space for the current project and allow for future expansions. We used landscaping as a natural partition to shield the villas from the urban surroundings, creating an immersive experience with lush native plants, trees, and captivating water features.
The design of the villas was a symmetrical masterpiece. It features two identical structures and each house has two bedrooms, a spacious living area, a modern kitchen, and a captivating water feature. This arrangement created a U-shaped building with a linear water body running along its centre. Thus, it served as a stunning mirror reflecting the lush greenery surrounding the property.
The spatial configuration and flow of the villas were carefully thought out. It was to provide an immersive and tranquil experience for residents and guests.
Upon arrival, visitors were greeted by a picturesque scene, with stepping stones gently leading them over the water body. Thus, they created a sense of serenity and anticipation as they entered the villa. As one stepped inside, the space opened up to reveal a spacious and airy living and dining area.
The open-plan design allowed for seamless connectivity between these communal spaces, fostering a sense of togetherness and relaxation. Flanking either side of the living room were the two bedrooms, each offering a unique experience.
This luxurious sanctuary featured an open-concept washroom, providing a spa-like experience. The suite also boasted ample storage, a dressing table, and a cozy reading nook, creating an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Designed for coziness and comfort, the second bedroom offered its occupants a washroom that overlooked a skylit pocket of greens.
Large sliding glass doors and windows seamlessly connected the interior spaces to the verdant outdoors. This integration also allowed for a continuous connection with nature, with views of the water body and landscaping creating a serene backdrop.
In our pursuit of creating a tropical modernism-inspired villa, we remained committed to sourcing locally available materials, celebrating the essence of the region’s natural beauty and craftsmanship. The choice of materials and design elements also reflects this dedication to authenticity and sustainability.
The foundation of our design incorporated regionally sourced IPS (in-situ concrete) for the floors and walls. To add character and texture, select accent walls also feature locally available rubble, creating a dynamic contrast within the villa’s modern framework.
To emphasise the high-pitched ceilings and pay homage to tropical architecture, we utilised wooden rafters and adorned them with bamboo mats for the thatch ceiling. This choice not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also helped maintain a cooler interior temperature.
We embraced the richness of local craftsmanship by using rattan and cane for the furniture pieces. These materials not only added a touch of tropical elegance but also promoted sustainability by supporting local artisans and traditional techniques.
The Thatch Ceiling: A Bali-Inspired Masterpiece undoubtedly, the standout feature of our project is the exquisite thatch ceiling. This architectural gem, adorned with wooden rafters and meticulously crafted bamboo mats, also serves as the crowning jewel of the entire design. Thus, it captures the essence of a Balinese villa, instantly transporting visitors to a world of tropical luxury and serenity.
Fact File
Design by: The Auburn Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Name of Project: Sumatra – Villa
Project Size: 3200 Sq.ft
Location: Bangalore
Client: Sumatra
Principal Architect: Sushmitha Ramesh
Photograph Courtesy: Yash R Jain
The Firm’s Website Link: The Auburn Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Auburn Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: The Auburn Studio
For Similar Project >>> This Simple Farmhouse Design Responds To The Climate And Site
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]