Layered House

• Design Architects: Thilan Kothtigoda & Thushari Wijesundara / KWA Architects
• Project Architect: Chamika Darshini
• Structural Engineer: Priyantha Pushpa Kumara
• MEP Engineer: Chandana Wanaguru
• Quantity Surveyor: Hasitha Gunasekara
• Contractor: Kalyanaratne
• Location: Colombo, Sri lanka

Located in a 14 perch block of land in a busy part of Colombo, the design attempts at creating a three dimensional composition of spaces layered both vertically and horizontally in plan. The limited un-built open space has been used to create gardens creating beautiful landscaped areas to which some of the spaces open out. They also flood all public and private spaces with an abundance of natural light and ventilation.

Front facade is gracefully refined with intentionally amalgamated double skin which are made out of timber, while reducing the heat gain by keeping greenery in the middle . As well these timber screens and double layers of greenery ensures upper levels are ‘detached’ from the street and allow views of greenery from interior and exterior both.

Entrance is focused to a wide access path leads to the main entrance passing a triple height courtyard with ‘Atteria’ (Murraya paniculata) trees and white pebbles. Laid with off white terrazzo tiles and  featuring a linear skylight above with pleasant fragrance of ‘Atteria’ flowers, the place creates an inviting & spacious welcome.

The main entry leads to the climax of the design, which is the double height living & dining that focus the framed view of  the main garden through double height glazing. Interior of the living dining space has a contemporary tropical feel with timber floors, bamboo blinds and timber furniture with fabric upholstery. Boundary walls cladded with local red brick giving a calm, homely feel. Wet and dry kitchens are provided with connecting to the main space while providing a private courtyard. Dry kitchen is a proprietary system pantry with high gloss lacquer finish and dry kitchen is a solid timber pantry with water based stain finish. The third courtyard intended also as the kitchen yard, has a tall Thunbergia wine slowly creeping up and covering the whole wall giving it an exciting feel rather than a mere back courtyard. The floor of the courtyard is finished with interlocking concrete paving for easy maintenance.

First floor consist of master suite and two other bedrooms , a study and a lobby space. The floors are finished with timber laminate flooring. The master suite consists of the master bedroom ,walk-in closet and the master bathroom. All these spaces open in towards the roadside but following a layer of bamboo plants & the timber screen. The visual focus of the green bamboo seen through large windows gives these spaces a contemporary tropical residential feel with abundance of light seeping through. Master bedroom along the opposite wall opens in to the entrance courtyard. Two children’s bedrooms are fitted with their own wardrobes and a study space is also incorporated in to this wardrobe fit-out unit. Beds & wardrobes in the master suite and children’s rooms are designed following a similar theme. All made with solid timber and painted white and upper levels are kept with natural timber colour with stained finish. Bathrooms at this level are finished with ceramic tiling with accent mosaic tiles to give more colour to toned down colour scheme.

Two roof gardens try to reclaim the land lost to the building at ground level creating additional recreational spaces and an area for growing vegetables and fruits for the client’s request for own consumption.Seating areas have been created facing both these gardens for the residents to enjoy the greenery. Generation of solar electricity & solar hot water minimizes the energy consumption of the residence while the courtyards help with passive ventilation.