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
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating an environment where every space has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a deep […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]