An Ode to Sri Lankan Interiors: Making Space for White Space

Written By Aaliyah Oshodi

Doors of Geoffrey Bawa’s 11th Residence

A little bit on Geoffrey Bawa

I visited Geoffrey Bawa's 11th Residence on the third or fourth day of my trip, a renowned Sri Lankan architect who fused his Lankan Burgher roots into his architectural practice. One aspect I truly appreciated about the work of his that I visited was the intentionality behind his design. His architecture felt composed, with a thoughtful consideration of how light would move throughout the day. Bawa emphasised his connection to the earth and carefully considered what worked best. Where he wanted to sit and listen to the rain during the rainy season and where he wanted to read his books. Widely regarded as a pioneer of tropical modernism, he understood the significance of his projects in Sri Lanka and ensured his designs thrived in their cultural context.

Geoffrey Bawa’s 11th Residence

Tropical modernism is an architectural approach prioritising the ‘integration of buildings with their natural surroundings’*. The building's needs and geographical context within tropical regions are essential for planning and development. Therefore, making sure Bawa's use of materiality, spatial planning, and colour palette all reflected where he was and made sense in the cultural landscape.

In today's context, using local materials and craftspeople is just a given. But you have to consider the order of the day. Bawa's first and most personal project, Lunuganga, began in 1948, just as Sri Lanka gained independence from the British. His work was significantly impacted by the post-colonial environment in Sri Lanka, blending traditional Lankan architecture with some colonial influences, helping to create a new architectural landscape for Sri Lanka alongside other architects like Minnette de Silva as a newly independent nation. Some considered his approach important as the post-colonial era saw a desire to celebrate indigenous architectural traditions that had been suppressed during colonial rule.

The 11th Residence - Geoffrey Bawa

In the 11th Residence, Bawa achieved an outstanding balance between indoor and/outdoor connectivity, inside courtyards with ceilings made from wooden beams that let light permeate the space, creating stunning shadows and a dynamic interplay of light. He effectively brought the outside in, using light as a storytelling medium that shaped the atmosphere and experience of the space. A lover of black and white, a somewhat muted palette allowed his trinkets, art and possessions to take centre stage.

Beyond Bawa’s modernist approach, Sri Lanka’s architectural history deeply extends into the past. This is evident in the country’s ancient landmarks, such as the Dambulla Caves and Sigiriya, which showcase a different but equally compelling narrative of space, light, and cultural significance."

 

Dambulla Caves and Sigiriya

Dambulla Caves and Sigiriya are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated historical landmarks.

Dambulla has over 150 Buddha statues, many stunning colourful frescoes and murals covering the cave walls and ceilings with impressive details and a vibrancy you wouldn't expect from a space Buddhist monks have inhabited since the 3rd century BCE. The layout creates a natural flow for devotees moving through the space.

Sigiriya is a true architectural wonder, featuring detailed frescoes, beautiful water gardens, landscapes and views. What’s really impressive is how the architecture blends so naturally with the surroundings. As we walked around, our guide showed us how the steep rock base made it almost impossible for enemies to attack; the whole place was built like a fortress.

Lighthouse Hotel

The Lighthouse Hotel is unreal! We couldn't leave Galle without visiting. It is located a little outside the central area of Galle Fort. The hotel's entrance, designed by Bawa for Jetwing Hotels and opened in 1997, was particularly striking. The entrance features a spiral staircase with a Laki Senanayake-designed sculptural balustrade depicting the Battle of Randeniwela, the Sinahalese-Portuguese war.

This hotel, built facing the Indian Ocean, is another exceptional example of tropical modernism's harmony with nature. With local materiality and seamless integration with nature, when you climb up the stairs and look out onto the garden restaurant, it feels like you are at the edge of the earth.

Staircase Lighthouse Hotel Galle

Staircase at the Lighthouse Hotel Galle

Lighthouse Hotel Galle

View out of the Lighthouse Hotel

Bus adventures

On my bus ride from Hiriketiya to Udawalawe safari, I saw many homes, from one-story to massive, great-big mansions. They were a litany of colours, from bright white softened by the yellow sun to homes adorned with vibrant, bright blue exterior walls and orange-painted windows.

The use of local materials was particularly striking. For example, the design was simple and understated in a bathroom I visited in Hiriketiya. It featured orange plaster walls paired with a rattan cabinet and a shell rattan light fixture, creating beautiful patterns of light and colour on the walls.

Washroom in Galle

Washroom by Hiriketiya beach

Upclose photo of the shell wall light

Up close photo of the shell wall light

Back to my title: intentionality! Everything feels purposeful and meaningful without being too contrived or too bare. Sculpture, art, and patterns punctuated the spaces I visited.

Light

I titled this post "An Ode to Sri Lankan Interiors: Making Space for White Space" because that's how it felt to me. I thought that the spaces I particularly loved were balanced. They were curated without being contrived. That is the thing I genuinely love in a well-designed space. Everything makes sense and feels natural; it’s you been to investigate and interrogate the space you begin to unravel just how layered the space is.

Dark spaces seamlessly lead to lighter spaces, which allows for a greater appreciation of light. Decorative lightweight features, such as cut-out holes and shapes in fanlights, allow light to travel and fill spaces with varying intensities. This creates drama and atmosphere using only light, shadow, and texture.

Pond view

A few more pictures

Aaliyah Oshodi https://www.aaliodesigns.co.uk
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