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
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
True to its name, Retreat Home by Neogenesis+Studi0261 is a getaway home to escape the frenzied hustle and bustle of city life. A holiday home to a diamond merchant in Surat, this elemental yet contemporary house has been designed to embrace extended families, making room for warm interactions as it seamlessly connects the indoors with […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]
In the heart of a dense urban fabric lies this conscientiously designed three-storeyed residence ‘VILAS’ in a plot of 1700 sq. ft. for a multi-generational family catering and navigating the requirements and ensuring their dreams come to reality. This three-storey house design is carefully crafted cuboid with interesting solids and voids, creating peripheral balconies and […]
Designing a home is not just about creating a space—it’s about crafting an experience that reflects the personality of its inhabitants while balancing aesthetics with functionality and sustainability. This contemporary, a private residential bungalow house located in Ahmedabad, India, stands as a testament to that philosophy. Designed for a family of four, the space merges […]
This contemporary exterior house design is nestled behind the vibrant pulse of a bustling hospital. This residence, spread across 6250 sq.ft., unveils a captivating fusion of timeless charm and contemporary elegance, veiled by an intricate jali screen. As you traverse the gates, you are welcomed into an entrance that artfully intertwines cultural motifs with the […]
When does a house become a home? What can a house do more than just provide shelter? Does the feeling of a space rely on tangible elements (furniture, decor, etc.)? Or is the feeling of a space defined by the intangible (light, volume, wind, etc.)? These tangible and intangible inquiries into this house architecture design—the […]
This Modern Mud House in a vulnerable ecosystem had to be a breathing edifice, born of the earth, slowly ebbing into the soil. Birds fly and make homes in lands far away. Vedanthangal is a chosen land for migratory birds. The untouched vegetation and aquatic plants maintain the bird sanctuary in Vedanthangal as one of […]
Situated on a 7-cent site, this modern architecture house in Coimbatore offers a utilitarian lifestyle while combining form and function. It is a hidden treasure nestled in the colorful tapestry of Coimbatore’s urban sprawl. With Central Jaali and Dynamic Lighting, the House’s Stunning Elevation shines with its richly textured wall and the exquisitely designed screen. […]