Initial Research: La gîte de charme

 La gîte de charme 

For my major project, I am going to design a holiday cottage for a family which is combined with Traditional Sri Lankan Architectural style with Modernism.

Traditional Sri Lankan Architecture

Traditional Sri Lankan architecture is a reflection of Sri Lankan island's rich cultural and historical tapestry. It is rooted in ancient civilizations and shaped by influences from Buddhism , Hinduism and Colonial rule. It is developed into a unique style that nature , spirituality and artistry. There are few special key features in Sri Lankan Traditional Architecture such as materials that are used , design elements , roof styles and water features etc. Traditional Sri Lankan Architecture extensively utilizes natural elements such as wood, stones and clay. These materials connect with the surrounding environment.

 Moreover, open courtyards and large verandahs are common features which are designed for tropical climate. Furthermore, the Kandyan roof style which is characterized by steep and multi layered roofs is one of the most unique features. Apart from them, water plays a major role in traditional Sri Lankan architecture . For example, there are many ancient buildings incorporating ponds, water gardens and channels. Additionally, Kandyan , Dravidian and southern influences are main regional variations in Sri Lankan Traditional Architecture . Kandyan influence is originated from the central highlands, is known for its wooden pillars decorative carvings , distinctive roof designs. Dravidian influence impacted on temple architecture while southern coastal architecture lends local and colonial style with Dutch and Portuguese influences apparent in fortress and churches. However, Sri Lankan Traditional Architecture is created with a blend of the above regional variations. Architecture in Sri Lanka is deeply symbolic often representing the connection between humans, nature and the divine.

Modernist Architecture

Modernist architecture is a design style that emphasizes functionality and simplicity over decoration.  It was a leading style in the 20th century and the main characteristics are functional, minimalist,materials and experimental.

After, my research on Traditional Sri Lankan Architecture and Modernist Architecture, I eventually realized  an outcome of a mixture of Traditional Sri Lankan Architecture and Modernism will be a unique masterpiece. As a result , I decided to research on a fabulous work and an architect who combine the above architectural styles and I discovered one of the most famous architect in the world.

Geoffery Bawa  was a Sri Lankan architect. He was the most renowned architect in Sri Lanka and the most influential Asian architects of his generation and often referred to as the leader of the Tropical Modernist movement. He utilized both of the architectural styles in order to make his work masterpieces. Among his Architectural works, Lunugaga is referred as one of his great works. 

LUNUGAGA is famous for its Traditional Sri Lankan Architectural, tropical and modernist architectural style. The Lunugaga estate was once a rubber state has been transformed into a masterpiece that seamlessly blends with nature with architectural ingenuity. The architectural usage of Lunugaga extends beyond the buildings to the meticulously designed gardens. One of the key features of Lunugaga is its dual purpose as both a residence and a studio. 

At the entrance, when someone enters to the house he or she has to enter to the garden room 2 which has an anticlockwise route around the garden. Here, The Garden Room is perched above Bawa's a garage which enters to a house which has a traditional style with white walls and curved roofs and build with ocassional towers to hold water tanks.

                                                      The plan of Lunugaga Estate

  North is to the right. 1. Start 2. Garden Room3. Eastern Terrace 4. Black Portico 5. Water Gate 6. Blue Pavilion 7. Field of Jars8. Small House 9. Cinnamon Hill 10. Windmill Tower 11. Guest Houses12. Northern Terrace 13. Main House and Finish.

                                                                            Lunugaga

The architectural usage of Lunugaga extends beyond the buildings to the meticulously designed gardens. Creation of a series of outdoor rooms that offer a different experience in each other also can be regarded as crucial fact. This architectural style prioritizes the integration of buildings with their natural surroundings, utilizing local materials and climate responsive designs. The local materials such as coral stone and traditional craftsmanship contribute to the timeless elegance of the estate. The building architecture serves as a canvas which showcases a balance between simplicity and sophistication. One of the defining features of Lunugaga is its integration with the natural environment. The positioning of pathways creates a symbiotic relationship between the natural elements.

 

        Painted sliding doors open to an airy space with a mezzanine known as the Sandela Pavilion

“In fact, the Sandela’s main purpose seems to have been to put GB in a position of control. His chair sits at the meeting of two important axes: He could see anyone who arrived at the foot of the South Terrace stairs and he had a lovely view out toward the lake, but he could also look down from the window and see anyone who arrived at the main gate" (Guralnick, 2018).  Bawa utilized his architectural planning skill to simplicity and functionality purposes.  

                               

                                                                     The roof style

Here, the roof structure is seemed to be steep and multi-layered roofs which are built with clay roof style. Geoffery Bawa used the Kandyan roof style which is steep , multi tiered roof style that is native to Sri Lanka. It is characterized by its use of timber , carved wooden beams and unique wooden catch pin.

                                                        Lunugaga's architectural style

Apart from the above facts, the wall structure also native to Sri Lankan architecture. Mainly, the white thick wall which are built with clay bricks are native to Sri Lankan Walawu buildings. Apart from the above mentioned designs , open courtyards , water features and verandhas are some others major features that can be seen in Lunugaga Estate. Glass windows and walls are some modern  features that can be seen in Lunugaga apart from the Traditional Sri Lankan Architectural style.

                                                              Bawa's Private House

However, I decided to design a holiday cottage which is combined with Traditional Sri Lankan Architectural and modernist architectural style. I understood that it will be great if I combine traditional curved and roof style with modern roof style, white brick wall structure with glass wall structure,glass windows , inside open courtyards consisted with a small pond and verandha. 

                                                                     Initial Sketch

  References

• Team Kaarwan (2025). Traditional Sri Lankan Architecture: A Cultural Dive. [online] Kaarwan blogs. Available at: https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/architecture/traditional-sri-lankan-architecture-features-cultural-significance?id=978.
• Experience Travel (2025). Lunuganga | Sri Lanka | Experience Travel Group. [online] Experience Travel. Available at: https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/sri_lanka/hotel/lunuganga [Accessed 4 Feb. 2025].
• ‌Lakpura LLC. (2025). Lunuganga Estate. [online] Available at: https://uk.lakpura.com/pages/lunuganga-estate?shpxid=e3677239-7f0c-4445-98ca-5399dd20ef23 [Accessed 4 Feb. 2025].
• (Bawa’s, 2021)

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