PROJECTS
RESIDENTIAL
Our empirical approach to residential schemes is conducive to sustainable development through emphasis on quality of dwellings, quality of life of all communities and genuine economic and social value for property developers and owners.
Holiday Villa for Gillian Anderson
An abandoned 70-year-old Walawwa, in Pasyala, once owned by an aristocratic family was converted into a boutique holiday home for the American actress, Gillian Anderson. The project is a complex of buildings including the main Walawwa house that was restored. The buildings are situated on five acres of land with a beautiful landscape. The landscape was treated as different zones with varying planting and feel of spaces. One of the key design issues to be resolved was to create a cohesive language between the various buildings that had been added on at various times. The pre dominant style of the complex was a mix of Kandyan and British building styles and it was decided to develop the complex along these same styles. For the renovation, much of the original details were retained, the Kandyan roof was re-laid with flat shingles, the floors were polished black and the grand staircase brought back to its former glory. The client’s interest and passion in the project are also reflected in the design of the bedrooms that has unique interiors. Antique furniture was specially sourced from Britain, India, as well as Sri Lanka to re-create the character of the old walawwa. The bathrooms were given the same attention to detail and the master bathroom was fitted out with ‘Carrara’ marble for a luxurious finish befitting a Hollywood celebrity.
Loudwater Development Sanam
Luxury living accommodation. Site located within the green belt conservation area, a proposal was put forward to alter water damaged, dated and derelict façades and to modify the internal layouts as a whole. A proposal for landscape was also put forward for planning purposes. A comprehensive design and access statement was submitted in support of this challenging planning approval. Hence permission was granted with strict conditions.
Additions, Alterations & Restorations Work to Residence
Restoration of an old ancestral wallawa as a private residence. Currently within the construction phase.stage 5 a swimming pool & facilities, a large formal dining room with rooftop garden was incorporated while restoring the existing house. Risk assessments were prepared before excavations in close proximity to the existing structure. Additional propping was suggested by the structural engineer.
An old partly collapsed ground well was restored and incorporated to the landscape in order that the clients may use the well water from the sprigs for domestic use. Rain water harvesting methods were also incorporated to the project. Solar system was considered otherwise because of the lack of direct sunlight that was diverted by the expanse of many trees and of course the monkeys.
A traditional form of contract will be used during construction (standard bidding document procurement of work major contract sbd/02). Although the construction cost is low, works are of a complex nature involving a high degree of building services and other specialist works.
Residence in Rajagiriya for Eshani and Praveen Kalpage
The site is located on Madinagoda Road in Rajagirya with an extent of 22.6 perches abutting a marsh. The house was designed for almost all spaces to interact with and get views of the marsh.
The layout was designed around a traditional central courtyard with a series of contemporary spaces resonating around it. Entertainment and living spaces face the marsh and the services and office room on the ground floor take the road and side paths. Large sliding windows towards the marsh enable the central courtyard, living, dining and bedrooms to be as one with the garden and extended marsh beyond.
The large fish pond in the courtyard is fed by an overflow raised pool of water whereby the sound could be heard through the whole house. On the first floor the central family lounge is almost meditative in nature overlooking the marsh on one side and the courtyard on the other. To the left are two bedrooms with a common bath in between and to the right the master bedroom suite. Walking through a large cupboard area one enters the bathroom in which the bath tub overlooks the courtyard and to the other side is an open shower space from which views of the marsh cold be enjoyed.
The roof terrace with bar and barbeque area along with a powder room and laundrette have breath-taking view of the marsh and beyond.
Maris Dekker’s House Papiliyana
The client chose a land which was located in a suburban part of Colombo, where most city dwellers have moved in due to congestion in the city. The pre-requisite for the house was that it should have a very clinical and Spartan feel to it.
The design brief is in fact 3 houses stacked one on top of the other with identical configurations.
The 3 families share the pool and roof terrace and the large family living area
House of Tenduf-La Family
The client is a writer who dreamt of a personal space to inspire creativity and at the same time to be able to enjoy the adventures of day to day life. The residence provide an ideal setting for client’s aspirations in a suburban context, creating a modern, simple, yet a building that invites the surrounding nature into it.
71 A Fairfield Road Residential Development
New build 5 story residential development comprising of 8 units built in close proximity to railway line hence special consideration was given to mitigate noise and vibration. Consultation with other consultants at the inception of the project helps us to determine a realistic budget, time frames and safety mechanisms.
Standard building contract with quantities 2005 was selected which included detailed contract provisions due to the high construction cost and the works are of a complex nature.
40 Linksway Residential House - Northwood
Major extension alterations and refurbishments of detached family house highly automated house requiring specialist subcontractor’s services.
Intermediate building contract with contractor’s design2 was selected based on the project value and the appointment of specialist subcontractors with contractor’s design.
Luxury Apartment Development
A mixed development consisting of 40 apartments, car parking facilities on the first and second floors and shops on the ground floor level.
Located in close proximity to the railway lines hence special consideration was given to mitigate noise and vibration. Consultation with other consultants at the inception of the project helps us to determine a realistic budget and time frames.
In the process of negotiations with various statutory authorities and developer while developing the schematic proposal.
TD Rajapakshe
Design of 4 personalized houses facing a paddy field in Sri Jayawardanapura.
Residence in Thalawatugoda for Janaka Herat
The plot is a 20 perch long narrow site in Thalawatugoda on a hill adjoining a rubber estate made room for a home comprising of a series of open spaces, long corridors and ponds being one with the garden.
The internal spaces are well naturally lit and ventilated. By building along half the width of the length of the site gave rise to all the spaces overlooking a long garden and an overall L-shape footprint.
On entering the main door one is taken along a long series of ponds with only grills separating the landscape, passing the central courtyard (also a large pond) with a tree, in the middle of which the water overflows into grooves in the passage into the long side ponds.
The house was designed for entertainment and open style living whilst maintaining absolute privacy for the rest of the family. From the main entrance a side stairway takes one to the first floor living spaces. A large central family lounge gives access to two large bedrooms with attached toilets. The master bedroom overlooks the length of the garden and has an en-suite walk-in space and bath that opens to an outdoor shower.
Half the area of the house has a roof terrace designed entirely for entertaining and has long lengths of cements seats which over look a large rubber estate on the side.
House of Senanayake Family
Located in an urban context, the house was designed to create a relaxing environment within the site. The orientation and the placement of the house was done with careful consideration of the existing tress, creating a large garden space and vistas towards vegetation.
The basic form of the house is based on a cube concept that extends with a composition of solids and voids. The architectural style reflected the simplicity of the client. the materials and colours used enhanced the relaxing character of the spaces.
Hampton Road House
Rear extension & basement pool with landscaped garden above. In this project, the risk of collapse of adjacent building had to be designed out. Hence the contiguous pile wall, armed with the risk analysis, the contractor submitted his method statement to the cdm coordinator before the pre-contract meeting for his satisfaction.
Designers under health and safety regulations not only have to consider the risks during the design and construction stage but also when repairing, refurbishing and possibly eventually demolishing the building including the health and safety of the people who use the building.
Luxury Apartments – Northwood
Rear & side extensions and major refurbishment of care home to accommodate 5 luxury apartments in a conservation area.
Standard building contract with quantities 2005 was selected which included detailed contract provisions due to the high construction cost, the works are of a complex nature and involves a high degree of building services. Named sub-contractors were also involved.
Luxury Apartments
A new build development consisting of 8 apartments located in madiwela. Odd shaped land with road reservations demarcated on three boundaries hence a challenging task of achieving the maximum area for development to sustain the viability of the project. The site is just outside bordering the one-mile radius from the centre of the parliament hence clearance from the ministry of defence and the civil aviation authority was not a requirement.
The scheme is currently in the planning process expecting approval in approximately two weeks. All other consultants were appointed from inception in order that we may have close liaisons to achieve more cost effective solutions.
A traditional form of contract will be used during construction (standard bidding document procurement of work major contract sbd/02).
Villa 14 Ruskin Island
Located in the secluded Island called “Ruskin Island” where there are very few and selected plots of land which shares a serene view of extended Bolgoda lake at the rear of the site. The island features a common amnesties facility which include a club house with a swimming pool, a bar and an entertainment area. The total cost of the project, including land is Rs. 55 Million. The island is approached via barge and there are two barges which connect the land with the island.
We wanted to create a series of gardens and buildings which finally end with the lush and peaceful view of the lake with the myriad of lotuses and water plants and birds. The material of choice was raw stone and concrete and glass.
The front section of the compound was flanked with guest bedrooms and service building and courtyards. Thereafter, one enters into the main courtyard which separates the front from the main building. The living room and swimming pool are connected together. The main bedrooms are on the first floor.
Graham Marshal Kohuwala
Complete and extensive refurbishment of an existing old house. Structure of the ground and the first floor were maintained and a new second floor penthouse with a roof garden were designed by introducing an independent new structure.
Model farm Road
A tiny plot with many restriction from both the regulations and site constraints. This property overlooks the Colombo Golf Course and has only 6 exclusive units.