Conceived as a two unit residence with ground floor design studio in clay bricks and upper floor 2 bedroom unit in fly ash bricks, this multi-purpose flexible-two unit Sri Lankan house design has paved the way for the owner architect to rent the ground floor design studio, temporarily converted to a 2 bedroom annex, when work became a trickle of what it used to be, during the difficult days of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis 2022.

Editor’s Note: “Amid Srilanka’s humid tropics, this home redefines what it means to live well. With unfinished textures, recycled elements, and lush gardens as anchors, privacy and openness co-exist in quiet harmony. A home shaped by modest means but vast intention, it is a connection between architecture, nature, and life.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

This Sri Lankan House Design Redefines Flexibility | Chinthaka Wickramage Associates

Traditional Construction Methodologies

The architects sought to challenge traditional construction methodologies, showcasing novel techniques such as steel skeletal frameworks and precast slab and beam construction developed by the National Engineering Research Department (NERD) of Sri Lanka.

The intention was to harmoniously blend thoughtful design with practical use of new technologies. The steel framework and precast elements build contemporary living spaces alongside tranquil outdoor gardens.

The robust external materials are textured and rustic, keying into low maintenance and natural aesthetics. Most materials remain unfinished to allow for natural weathering, reducing the need for frequent upkeep. Designing an integrated house and garden has proven fulfilling, ensuring that materials will evolve gracefully within Sri Lanka’s moist tropical climate.

The choice of materials is crucial to ensuring that the home blends harmoniously with its environment. The use of raw clay and Fly Ash bricks emphasizes texture and complements the landscape, creating a tactile building envelope that serves as a backdrop for lush vegetation.

Design Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from its natural setting, the material selection is deliberately understated; uncoated surfaces and textured finishes impart a sense of understated warmth.

A flourishing garden and an established Mahogany tree provide shade for the front yard, enhanced by climate-appropriate plantings that surround the house. The ground floor bedrooms revolve around the surrounding gardens, encouraging activity to flow into adjacent courtyards, while the kitchen seamlessly extends to the backyard oasis.

The focus is primarily on the external views, particularly towards the garden, creating an austere yet inviting atmosphere. Given the relatively compact footprint of 170 square meters and the proximity of neighboring properties, the architects had to devise creative architectural solutions to provide adequate privacy and natural light. The structure boasts a sturdy exterior that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

The designers were committed to maximizing output with minimal input, intentionally steering clear of plaster and paint. Their aim was to create a modest duplex that highlights natural, locally sourced materials while achieving spatial quality through textural variety, material contrast, and abundant natural light rather than sheer square footage.

Recycled doors and windows from Sri Lankan manor houses were used throughout both units, while the ground floor’s parking area features repurposed cobblestones sourced from the upcountry tea estates of Sri Lanka.

The external materials possess rich texture and timelessness, with the primary goal of being a thoughtful balance between solid and void. This enhances the beauty of the exposed brick masonry, particularly around openings. For instance, cement louver grill blockwork envelops the cantilevered upper-floor balconies, softening the harsh tropical sunlight and shielding them from monsoonal downpours.

Spatial Planning

On the ground floor, there are two bedrooms along with two parking spaces. Sheltered courtyard gardens, integrated early in the design process, connect directly to the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Generously-sized side-hung glazed doors create fluid connections to the outdoors, effectively extending the home’s interior to its edges.

The first-floor balcony offers modest shade while shielding the ground floor from both rain and sun. The upper floor rooms invite natural light, strengthening the connection to outdoor spaces and garden views. Cantilevered balconies enhance this connection by promoting a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Innovative features like top-hung, multiple-sashed timber-framed glazed windows enhance the home’s aesthetic.

A limited material palette defines each material through its specific application. These design choices result in a markedly contemporary structure while infusing the building with a sense of tranquility and warmth.

Design Considerations

Natural light bathes both units, and their raw, durable material palette radiates warmth. The design considers sun orientation, window placement, extended eaves, and cross-ventilation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. The careful selection of cost-effective materials adds to the overall durability and comfort.

Materials were selected to highlight their tactile and textural characteristics. Budgetary constraints aligned with sustainable goals, focusing spending on the building’s envelope—the structural steel, roof, and walls. This compact design deliberately reserves much of the 170 square meter site for outdoor courtyards and rich gardens.

Fact File

Designed by: Chinthaka Wickramage Associates

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Clay Bricks Fly Ash Bricks House

Location: Mirihana, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

Year Built: 2021

Duration of the project: 2 Years

Project Size: 1900 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Ar. Chinthaka Wickramage

Team Design Credits: Nileeka Senerath, Thushara Sampath Ajith Kumara & Sanujaya Gunatillake

Photograph Courtesy: Ar. Eresh Weerasuriya

Products / Materials / Vendors: Construction Materials – Clay Bricks & Fly Ash Bricks / Lighting – Telectra (Pvt) Ltd / Doors and Partitions – Recycled Salvaged Doors & Windows from Old Manor Houses of Sri Lanka / Sanitaryware – Totto Sanitaryware (Japan) / Furniture – Habitat (Pvt) Ltd / Flooring – Prestona Pressed Cement Tiles (Ranjith Terrazzo Pvt Ltd) / Kitchen – Hansteel Fabrico (Pvt) ltd

Firm’s Website Link: Chinthaka Wickramage Associates

Firm’s Instagram Link: Chinthaka Wickramage Associates

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