The Concise House is a beautiful example of art deco architecture that incorporates modern and practical design features. Situated in the region of Lunuganga in Sri Lanka, the two-storey building stands out for its intricate details and remarkable craftsmanship. The house is designed to take advantage of the light, air and beauty of the surrounding landscape. It is composed of numerous juxtaposing elements, such as its white walls, iron grilles and red-tiled floor. The main building materials used are timber and reinforced concrete, creating a strong statement of modern and traditional design. The Concise House is a wonderful example of art deco house designs, showcasing the impressive combination of contemporary style and luxurious details.Concise House Design
Concise House Design
The Lunuganga House, also known as the Lunuganga Estate, is an impressive example of art deco architecture. The estate is composed of numerous buildings, each displaying a distinct style of design and composition. The main house is a striking two-storey building, featuring an elegant façade of curved walls lined with white stucco and steel grilles. The interior of the main house is filled with beautiful furniture and art pieces, providing an elegant atmosphere. In addition to the main house, the estate includes a few pavilions, a lake house, a stunning garden, and numerous trees and shrubs. The Lunuganga House is a stunning example of art deco architecture, offering striking beauty and sophistication. Lunuganga House Design
Lunuganga House Design
The Kandalama Hotel is an iconic example of art deco architecture, recognised for its outstanding design and unique features. Located in Sri Lanka, the hotel is known for its striking exterior featuring curved walls and a game of planes arranged in square geometry. The interior of the hotel is a unique blend of contemporary and traditional features, showcasing an extraordinary fusion of materials. Furniture pieces are made of hard wood and steel, while ceramic tiles and mosaics are used to create beautiful floor designs. The Kandalama Hotel is a spectacular example of art deco house designs, highlighting the remarkable fusion of luxury and functionality. Kandalama Hotel Design
Kandalama Hotel Design
The Developing Plantation is a beautiful example of art deco architecture situated in Sri Lanka. The plantation implements a classical design with modern details, including arched windows, concrete pillars and terracotta roofs. The two-storey house stands out for its impressive façade with rectangular frames and a pointed roof. Inside, the walls are adorned with curved ornaments, such as circles, stars and some geometrical shapes in pastel shades. The Developing Plantation is one of the most remarkable examples of art deco house designs, proving that it’s possible to combine vintage style and sophisticated beauty.Developing Plantation Design
Developing Plantation Design
The Jones Road House is an interesting example of art deco house designs, recognised for its modern and classic features. This two-storey house is located in Sri Lanka, and is designed to resemble a luxurious residence. Its façade features distinctive curved walls, along with a symmetrical composition and pastel colour palette. The interior of the house is a unique combination of modern furnishings and traditional objects, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The Jones Road House is an impressive example of art deco architecture, demonstrating the perfect fusion of contemporary style and vintage materials.Jones Road House Design
Jones Road House Design
The Taprobane Island is a stunning example of art deco house designs, recognised for its spectacular and unique features. Located in Sri Lanka, the house stands out for its impressive façade featuring curved walls and a stepped pyramid shape. Inside, the house is filled with luxurious furnishings, including marble and glass accents. The building materials used are timber, stone and concrete, creating a striking contrast between contemporary design and unimaginable craftsmanship. The Taprobane Island is an outstanding example of art deco architecture, offering an elegant and timeless atmosphere.Taprobane Island Design
Taprobane Island Design
The Cadjan Hut is a classic example of art deco architecture, recognised for its characteristic design and historical importance. Situated in Sri Lanka, the hut is made of bamboo and thatched roof, giving it an unique look. Additionally, the hut is decorated with colourful fabrics and intricate ornaments, providing a vivid atmosphere. The design of the hut is inspired by traditional architecture, offering a glimpse into the past. The Cadjan Hut is a remarkable example of art deco house designs, showcasing the perfect combination of historical and contemporary elements.Cadjan Hut Design
Cadjan Hut Design
The Kentstown House is a stunning example of art deco architecture, situated in Sri Lanka. The two-storey building stands out for its impressive façade featuring curved walls, arched windows and intricate details. Inside, the house is filled with elegant furniture and art pieces, creating an atmosphere of luxury. The building materials used are timber and reinforced concrete, creating a strong statement of modern design. The Kentstown House is a remarkable example of art deco house designs, highlighting the perfect combination of vintage style and modern amenities. Kentstown House Design
Kentstown House Design
The Governor's Residence is an impressive example of art deco architecture, situated in Sri Lanka. The two-storey building stands out for its symmetrical design, coupled with curved walls and arched windows. The decoration of the façade is also remarkable, featuring intricate details and striking ornaments. Inside, the residence is filled with beautiful furniture and art pieces, creating an atmosphere of luxury. The building materials used are timber and stone, creating a strong statement of modern and traditional design. The Governor's Residence is a remarkable example of art deco house designs, showcasing the perfect combination of luxury and elegance.Governor's Residence Design
Governor's Residence Design
The Park Street House is an impressive example of art deco architecture, situated in Sri Lanka. The two-storey building stands out for its striking façade featuring curved walls and a pointed roof. The building materials used are timber and stone, creating a strong statement of modern design. Inside, the house is elegant and unique, filled with wonderful furniture pieces and art pieces. The Park Street House is a remarkable example of art deco house designs, highlighting the beautiful combination of traditional features and contemporary style.Park Street House Design
Park Street House Design
Masterful Artistry of Geoffrey Bawa House Design
The late Sri Lankan Architect, Geoffrey Bawa, was renowned for his modernist and tropical style house designs that have captivated many throughout the world. His main focus was to ensure that a building should conform to its environment, openly blending the outside environment with the inside building design.
Notable Aspects of Geoffrey Bawa's House Design
One of the main aspects of his
house designs
was to ensure that social interaction was allowed for within his architectural constructions. This could be seen in many of his well-known works such as Lunuganga, an estate he worked on from 1948 and used as a living laboratory for most of his life.
He also developed many of his designs based on the traditional Sri Lankan
architecture
elements such as ‘Vahalkada’ – a covered front porch – and ‘Ruwala’ – a summerhouse with an overhanging double roof.
He was able to commemorate both Sri Lanka and its traditional
culture
within many of his buildings, while efficiently integrating modern materials and styles. This would allow for his house designs to become living laboratories, whilst allowing space for social engagement.
The Pioneer of Cultural and Regional Adaptation
As a self-taught
architect
, Geoffrey Bawa was able to take traditional Sri Lankan construction materials and create his own style of regional adaptation - with many of his Sri Lankan estate-style houses being a prime example of such works.
One of his most iconic works, the design of many of the buildings of the Sun Century Group ‘Club’ in Waikkal, exemplifies this unique adaptation of the vernacular regional style with a modern twist. The buildings moved away from the stereotypical presence of high concrete walls and a large driveway, with his intuitive designs referencing tropical Modernism.
The Enduring Legacy of Geoffrey Bawa
The undeniable impact Geoffrey Bawa has made within the field of Sri Lankan architecture and house designs is one that stands the test of time and will remain of inspiration for many individuals. Bawa's house designs remain as a prime example of his unique methods, which imbued a reverence to both modern and traditional architecture - a synthesis that few have produced with such finesse and style.
