Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Home with a panoramic view

By Beverly Pereira
Photography: Courtesy the architect
Read Time: 2 mins
"infinity pool anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Professor David Robson

Mukuludola Bungalow in south-western Sri Lanka is a contemporary take on the traditional Sri Lankan house and is designed to frame the scenic surrounds…

Sri Lankan architect C. Anjalendran’s vision for the Mukuludola Bungalow was to frame the surrounding spectacular views of the countryside and paddy fields. The home of a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Sri Lankan Army and his wife, it is situated at 270 feet above sea level overlooking cinnamon and rubber plantations.  

"ground floor plan anjalendran indiaartndesign"
Ground floor plan
"lower ground floor plan anjalendran indiaartndesign"
Lower ground floor plan


Looking to the bungalows of the 18th and 19th century in Sri Lanka’s hill country for inspiration, the architect, a former associate of the late Geoffrey Bawa, sought to create a contemporary version of a traditional Sri Lankan courtyard house. The central courtyard around which the square bungalow is built, is flanked by the living and dining rooms on the south side, two bedrooms and a study on the east, and the kitchen and two bedrooms on the west.

"aerial view anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe

Accessible by a steep driveway, the bungalow is situated midway on a hill on a 60-acre piece of land owned by the client’s family since 1906. Using the steep slope as an advantage, extensive ground work was carried out to create a suitable building pad for the home. 

"front verandah at night anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe
"pool at night anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe

One of the major highlights of the bungalow is that the architecture serves as a lens to view the landscape. A forecourt on the west side leads to a flight of granite steps that open out into a veranda spanning the length of the house and offering panoramic views to the south. Here, an infinity pool and an open pavilion akin to an ambalama, or a traditional resting spot for travellers, once again offer unparalleled views. 

"central courtyard with urli anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe
"central courtyard with urli by day anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Professor David Robson
"central courtyard anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe

It was also important to capture the breeze while protecting the occupants from the monsoon rains. Every space within the bungalow is naturally ventilated thanks to the site’s elevation and prevailing breezes. Moreover, with the structure nestled into a hill to the north and service spaces tucked under the west wing, deep overhangs offer protection from the rain. 

"front verandah anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe
"dining room anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe
"living room anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe
"master bedroom anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe

An elegant palette of natural materials including local granite, stucco, concrete and timber bring in a local context to the bungalow. The timber-framed roof coupled with antique doors, windows and a divider screen further add character. 

"Morning sun lighting up pool anjalendran indiaartndesign"
©Dilan Wijesinghe

Much like a gazebo from which one can soak in the beauty of the surroundings, the bungalow — thanks to its architecture — not only frames certain views and amplifies others, but also blends in with the natural surroundings and local architecture.  

3 comments :

  1. We experienced such beauty and warmth at this bungalow and would highly reccommend it to anyone visiting Sri Lanka!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Incredible post yet I was pondering whether you could create a litte more regarding this matter? I"d be outstandingly appreciative if you could elucidate a slight bit further. Worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice post mate, keep up the great work, just shared this with my friendz

    ReplyDelete

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