At home with Geoffery Bawa

By Pragnya Rao

A glimpse into Lunuganga, the erstwhile country home of the prolific Sri Lankan architect

We were born for the summer. And this stunning property in sun-soaked Sri Lanka by the legendary architect Geoffery Bawa is just the reaffirmation we needed. If there ever were a home of our dreams, this would pretty much be it.

Think: lush courtyards, lily ponds, stone-lined walkways and dreamy pavilions. Top this with picturesque views from rooms furnished with antique Dutch furniture, sculpture and artworks from the maestro’s personal collection.

We love how the signature Bawa monochromes sit in perfect harmony next to weathered woods whereas the chequered flooring lends it a slightly modern touch. Our personal favourite though is the Glass House, which is a glass-walled room perched up in the trees giving an illusion of being in a tree house. Just the perfect spot to seek some inspiration for our next story, we think.

Lunuganga nestled on a 25-acre land, was home to architect Geoffery Bawa, and much like his work, it flowed seamlessly from a lived space to the large expansive gardens.

All rooms are equipped with sit-outs overlooking the gardens.

The Glass House appears like a bridge of glass across the entrance offering a wonderful view of the gardens beyond.

Each of the rooms are furnished with paintings and artefacts from Geoffery Bawa’s personal collection.

Minimal yet comfortable, the bedroom is fitted with wooden beds and pieces from Bawa’s personal collections.

With expansive, floor-length windows, the Glass House is reminiscent of a Tree house.

The openings have been designed such that they can be left partially open to function as windows or opened completely as doors to merge the inside with the outside.

04-Nov-2016