LOCATION
Gangasirigama, Sri Lanka
TYPE
Residential
YEAR
2024
SERVICES
Design
STAGE
Construction
VALUE
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ABEYRATNA
HOUSE
A Luxury Retreat in the Jungle: The Balance Between Nature and Design
Set on a hillside immersed in the lush tropical rainforest of Sri Lanka, this residence embodies a harmonious dialogue between the natural environment and contemporary architectural design. The project began with an existing four-level structure, carefully reinterpreted to meet the needs of its users and the demands of its context. The result is a home that transcends mere functionality to become a space of connection with nature, comfort, and sophistication.
The architectural proposal is built upon three key pillars: maximising views, integrating the spaces with their surroundings, and redefining internal functionality without significantly altering the original structure. The extended balconies, which emerge as an invitation to the landscape, are a tangible manifestation of this intent. They allow residents to enjoy panoramic views of the river and the surrounding jungle, not only connecting the interior with the exterior but also redefining the boundaries of the living space, blending them seamlessly into the landscape.
The redistribution of the interior spaces prioritises social living and interaction with the natural environment. Common areas such as the living and dining rooms are designed to be open, spacious, and bathed in natural light, creating a fluid connection with the terraces. This approach enhances the bond between the home and its surroundings, while the selection of materials and finishes reinforces a sense of warmth and luxury, evoking the spirit of the place.
On the lower levels, an outdoor entertainment area featuring a pool, barbecue, and relaxation spaces creates a direct connection with nature. This space becomes a social hub that celebrates the surrounding landscape and the region’s unique climate while maintaining an intimate and respectful relationship with the natural context.
The design emphasises a minimal yet effective intervention in the existing structure, preserving the essence of the original building while introducing elements that enhance the user experience. The surrounding vegetation, carefully framed in every view, becomes a protagonist of the design, ensuring that the architecture not only inhabits the landscape but becomes an integral part of it.
This renovation is more than an architectural project; it is a statement on how design can reimagine existing spaces, respect the environment, and simultaneously create a luxurious retreat that invites one to experience nature at its fullest.