In the wake of the post-COVID era, outdoor intimate wedding venue has witnessed a surge in popularity, and 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, 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

The Design Intent

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 in line with Bawa’s ethos. Maximising the use of natural light and ventilation to provide a sense of connection with the tropical environment.

The Site

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 Spatial Configuration/flow

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. Thereby, 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.

Master Suite: 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.

Second Bedroom: 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 allowed for a continuous connection with nature, with views of the water body and landscaping creating a serene backdrop.

The Material Palette: A Celebration of Local Materials and Craftsmanship

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 reflected this dedication to authenticity and sustainability.

Indigenous IPS and Rubble: 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 feature locally available rubble, creating a dynamic contrast within the villa’s modern framework.

Bamboo-Thatch Ceiling: 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.

Natural Furnishings: 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 Highlights

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, serves as the crowning jewel of the entire design. 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

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