• About
  • Contact
  • T&C
  • My Account
No Result
View All Result
Archalley
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Commercial & Offices
    • Hospitality Architecture
    • Industrial & Infrastructure
    • Interior Design
    • Landscape & Urbanism
    • Public Architecture
    • Refurbishment
    • Religious Architecture
    • Residential Architecture
  • Academic
    • Research
    • Student Projects
    • Submit
  • News
  • Articles
  • Events
Archalley
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Commercial & Offices
    • Hospitality Architecture
    • Industrial & Infrastructure
    • Interior Design
    • Landscape & Urbanism
    • Public Architecture
    • Refurbishment
    • Religious Architecture
    • Residential Architecture
  • Academic
    • Research
    • Student Projects
    • Submit
  • News
  • Articles
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
Archalley
No Result
View All Result
Home Projects Residential Architecture

Cement Brick House

ARCHALLEY by ARCHALLEY
May 1, 2020
in Projects, Residential Architecture


  • Architects: Chinthaka Wickramage Associates
  • Lead Architect: Chinthaka Wickramage
  • Location: Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
  • Area: 224 m2
  • Land Extent: 203 m2
  • Project Year: 2018
  • Client: Dr. Vajira Dharmawardhane
  • Structural Engineers: Ranjith Wijegunasekara
  • Quantity Surveyors: Sunanda Gnanasiri


The site was as typical as suburbia could get: a street with a rhythm of roof tiled, plastered brick boxes built to the limit of the road setbacks. Site is bounded by existing houses on two sides with a main neighbourhood street on east side. The density and potential proximity of neighbouring houses was an issue to address. In a neighbourhood of older detached houses ranging from one to two storeys the narrative of the house began as a shell for a tall living room. Pagoda house wraps its transparent inner spaces with a shell of un-plastered cement brick set into the frame of a raw concrete structure. The rear of the house contains the living dining room and kitchen on the ground floor, with bedrooms above.



The Living & Dining areas look into the rear garden from the west, with the guest room on the opposite side. This house is an attempt to construct a house using cement bricks, a material newly introduced to the Sri Lankan market, which  was expected to give a ‘unique character’ to the house and a ‘counterpoint’  to otherwise differently colour houses lining the neighbourhood. It was intended to be a discreet ‘invisible’ house with a neutral background. The use of mono pitched single sloping zinc aluminium roof follow the road contours. Employment of double height space in the living room was meant to visually and physically link the two levels of this small house.



Planting of eight numbers root-ball replanted fruit bearing trees, in both front and rear gardens of the house, was meant to induce urban wildlife into the surroundings of the house, in an otherwise high density Colombo suburb of Nugegoda. Use of cantilevered staircase under which, a visitor to the house access the main door, and the use of triangular cantilevered glass louver windows mimicking the trapezium shaped land shape are special features of the house. Incorporation of cantilevering triangular windows have given a certain ‘machine like’  external appearance to the house, in keeping with the famous architectural idiom ‘House is a machine to live in’




Materials, Structure and Construction

Material selection is based on the lower cost of materials, much less in the way of products specifically manufactured to resist change and  wear, than those which evolve best with weather and through time, finding new life in the manner of their assembly within the less than perfect construction culture which typifies Sri Lanka. In retrospect, the simple cement brick wall formed a basic part of the glue concerning architectural economy as a philosophical basis. What made it so relevant with its application; however was its ability to age well. Aluminium, glass, concrete and cement bricks , form the palette of finishes intended to bring that tactile quality to a freshly built house. Cement brick selection and editing of details do effect conceptual continuity and aesthetic cohesion to some degree of cost consciousness. The need for construction simplicity and the power of exposed brick with tight budgets began the narrative of architectural economy.  In summary Pagoda house is designed as an environment of basic solids and voids, given ‘form’ through controlled assembly of cement bricks, concrete, aluminium and glass.




Project Significance and Impact

Pagoda House is inspired on the concepts of incompleteness & shock contrast and relies on the paradigm of textural contrast. The contrast of the entire house of cement bricks with the crispness of glass, aluminium frames and cleanly painted ceilings. The house attempts at design of cross ventilation and naturally lit space in a residential context and the maximisation of usable area for added value. For the kind of ‘rawness’ which was envisioned the principals of detail management became a challenge: a simple and effective way of maintaining construction economy. The structural order of the house was designed to serve the purposes of finish with its enclosure, the result of balance found through tonal homogeneity. The idea of a buildings ‘envelop’ being captured as part of its architecture had always felt more relevant from the view of construction economy and final aesthetics, and it was carried out to a reasonable effect.



The narrative made distinctions between the textural and spatial qualities of each natural or constructed element in context. This complicity engages in the intelligent search for greater economy of means, a part of the entire process which has the product of work develop its ‘under-constructed’ and less polished sense of finish. The thinking and making of architecture as it engages the specific context of its location are the formal elements of inquiry with regard to this work. Specific context also applies to the way any one country or construction region most commonly works and builds, about which materials and processes have best adopted functionally and economically over time in each of their specific locations. For the diligent architect, context will include budget constraints and relevance of use. Pagoda House is also about how specificity of place can guide the processes and subsequent ‘form’ of relevant design.



The house is intended to age with time and to receive the colour and life of dwelling within, its architecture hidden, for the most part, by the foliage of its very first room, the front garden. Whereas spatial value has been more commonly understood to be derived from the light and its revealing of ‘tactile quality’, the design explorations of the Pagoda House, having prioritized the details of function equally with that of space making, have found subtler working details to contribute as much as, and possibly more, to perceived ‘spatial quality’. In summary pagoda House is a project laced with details testing rawness, un-refinement and the unfinished. Lessons learned from the project widened and reinforced our growing understanding of how materials give texture and age gracefully in monsoon Asia. The house became a careful balance of grey, black, white, concrete and age.


 




Finally with all the requirements of natural ventilation, functionality and construction economy in mind the house was designed to be predominantly self-maintaining and aesthetically elegant as it weathered the grace of tropical humidity. Pagoda House was the first of its type which formally began to maximise the trades and the materials of a local building industry, minimising cost through low cost production means; its methods beginning to show consistency with the philosophical leanings of ‘texture’ through economy.


Text description provided by the architects

Tags: Chinthaka WickramageChinthaka Wickramage AssociatesDr. Vajira DharmawardhaneNugegodaRanjith WijegunasekaraSri LankaSunanda Gnanasiri

ShareTweetPinShareSendSendShareShareShareScan
Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa

Next Post

Hotel SICO

ARCHALLEY

ARCHALLEY

Related Posts

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology – Phase One B
Commercial & Offices

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology – Phase One B

August 5, 2025
Santhanabhavanam
Residential Architecture

Santhanabhavanam

July 29, 2025
Carnage HQ Office
Commercial & Offices

Carnage HQ Office

July 22, 2025
Residence at Nawala
Residential Architecture

Residence at Nawala

July 16, 2025
Ahas Gawwa
Hospitality Architecture

Ahas Gawwa

July 8, 2025
Residential Villa at Matara
Residential Architecture

Residential Villa at Matara

May 7, 2025
Next Post
Hotel SICO

Hotel SICO

Outré House

Outré House

Kodikara House

Kodikara House

Ad

We're on YouTube

Subscribe

Follow us on Facebook

Trending

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology – Phase One B
Commercial & Offices

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology – Phase One B


August 5, 2025
Leela Bhumi
News

Leela Bhumi


August 4, 2025
Roofing Finishes for Sri Lanka
Articles

Roofing Finishes for Sri Lanka


July 31, 2025
Santhanabhavanam
Residential Architecture

Santhanabhavanam


July 29, 2025

We're on YouTube

Subscribe

Follow us on Facebook

ADVERTISEMENT

Zaha Hadid - The one who bent the rules of architecture itself.

From wavy roofs to gravity-defying curves, her creations feel alive, moving, and unapologetically bold.

#ZahaHadid #ArchitecturalInspiration #DesignWithoutLimits #Archalley

Aug 8

Open
Zaha Hadid - The one who bent the rules of architecture itself.

From wavy roofs to gravity-defying curves, her creations feel alive, moving, and unapologetically bold. 

#ZahaHadid #ArchitecturalInspiration #DesignWithoutLimits #Archalley

Something beyond the occupation.
Architect Kosala Weerasekara opens up about the real reason he still loves what he does — and it’s something every creative soul will relate to.

Watch the full video on Facebook & YouTube

#Archalley #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #KozysCanvas #ArchitecturalJourney #DesignExperience #SriLankanArchitecture #DesignWithHeart #ArchitectTalks #BehindTheDesign

Aug 7

Open
Something beyond the occupation.
Architect Kosala Weerasekara opens up about the real reason he still loves what he does — and it’s something every creative soul will relate to.

Watch the full video on Facebook & YouTube

#Archalley #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #KozysCanvas #ArchitecturalJourney #DesignExperience #SriLankanArchitecture #DesignWithHeart #ArchitectTalks #BehindTheDesign

𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗺
Architects: Jeyasara Architects
Lead Architect: Nirupan Jeyaratnam & Thanoshi Seneviratne
Location: Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2025
Photographer: T’ AURA Studios – Thadshan Yoges Archphotography

A home rooted in heritage and memory, blending traditional Jaffna elements with modern design. Vaulted ceilings, courtyards, and intricate woodwork create a serene space where legacy meets contemporary living.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/santhanabhavanam/

#Archalley #Santhanabhavanam #JaffnaArchitecture #SriLankanArchitecture #HeritageDesign #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #ContemporaryHome #CulturalArchitecture #ArchitecturalInspiration #DesignDetails #HomeDesign #ModernMeetsTradition #TimelessArchitecture #ArchitectureLovers #DreamHome

Aug 6

Open
𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗺
Architects: Jeyasara Architects
Lead Architect: Nirupan Jeyaratnam & Thanoshi Seneviratne
Location: Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2025
Photographer: T’ AURA Studios – Thadshan Yoges Archphotography

A home rooted in heritage and memory, blending traditional Jaffna elements with modern design. Vaulted ceilings, courtyards, and intricate woodwork create a serene space where legacy meets contemporary living.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/santhanabhavanam/

 #Archalley #Santhanabhavanam #JaffnaArchitecture #SriLankanArchitecture #HeritageDesign #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #ContemporaryHome #CulturalArchitecture #ArchitecturalInspiration #DesignDetails #HomeDesign #ModernMeetsTradition #TimelessArchitecture #ArchitectureLovers #DreamHome

Rapid Fire with Architect Kosala Weerasekara

Watch the full video on Facebook & YouTube!

#RapidFire #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #BehindTheDesign #ArchAlley #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectTalks

Aug 5

Open
Rapid Fire with Architect Kosala Weerasekara 

Watch the full video on Facebook & YouTube!

#RapidFire #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #BehindTheDesign #ArchAlley #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectTalks

Drawn from Experience - Kosala Weerasekara reflects on the lessons, evolution, and depth gained through years in the field.

Watch the Full Video Now on Facebook and YouTube
Links in the Bio

#Archalley #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekar #KozysCanvas #ArchitecturalJourney #DesignExperience #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureWithDepth

Aug 1

Open
Drawn from Experience - Kosala Weerasekara reflects on the lessons, evolution, and depth gained through years in the field.

Watch the Full Video Now on Facebook and YouTube 
Links in the Bio 

#Archalley #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekar #KozysCanvas #ArchitecturalJourney #DesignExperience #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureWithDepth

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗤 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

Architects: The Silent Architect
Project Architect: Thilina Wijesiri & Gayathri Kumari
Design Team: Thilina Wijesiri, Jeewantha Prabodhini & Kasun Senarathne
Location: Narahenpita, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Ganidu Balasuriya Photography

A fashion brand’s HQ like no other—Carnage’s new home is stitched together with concrete, culture, and creative chaos. Think fabric labs, chill zones, and industrial charm… all tailored to inspire. This isn’t just an office—it’s a statement.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/carnage-hq-office/

#CarnageHQ #WorkspaceGoals #SriLankaDesign #TheSilentArchitect #Archalley

Jul 30

Open
𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗤 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

Architects: The Silent Architect
Project Architect: Thilina Wijesiri & Gayathri Kumari
Design Team: Thilina Wijesiri, Jeewantha Prabodhini & Kasun Senarathne
Location: Narahenpita, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Ganidu Balasuriya Photography

A fashion brand’s HQ like no other—Carnage’s new home is stitched together with concrete, culture, and creative chaos. Think fabric labs, chill zones, and industrial charm… all tailored to inspire. This isn’t just an office—it’s a statement.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/carnage-hq-office/

#CarnageHQ #WorkspaceGoals #SriLankaDesign #TheSilentArchitect #Archalley

Introducing Kozy’s Canvas — Where Architecture is not just Designed, but Lived.

Watch the Full Video on Facebook & YouTube
Links in the Bio

Special Thanks to Architect Kosala Weerasekara for featuring Kozy`s Canvas with Archalley

@kosala_weerasekra
@kwcarchitects
#Archalley #KozyCanvas #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #HomeStudioDesign #ArchitecturalSpaces #CreativeLiving #ModernArchitecture #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureInspiration

Jul 29

Open
Introducing  Kozy’s Canvas — Where Architecture is not just Designed, but Lived.

Watch the Full Video on Facebook & YouTube
Links in the Bio 

Special Thanks to Architect Kosala Weerasekara for featuring Kozy's Canvas with Archalley 

@kosala_weerasekra
@kwcarchitects
#Archalley #KozyCanvas #ArchitectKosalaWeerasekara #HomeStudioDesign #ArchitecturalSpaces #CreativeLiving #ModernArchitecture #SriLankanArchitecture #ArchitectureInspiration

Rearrange. Reimagine. Revive your bedroom.

Small layout shifts can make a huge difference — more space, better flow, and a vibe that finally feels right.
Your room deserves a glow-up, and it starts here.

Read More: https://archalley.com/how-to-arrange-a-bedroom/

#Archalley #BedroomArrangement #HowtoArrangeBedroom #RoomReset #BedroomUpgrade #DesignSmarter #SpaceThatSpeaks #HomeStyleInspo #LayoutLove #ModernBedroomGoals

Jul 26

Open
Rearrange. Reimagine. Revive your bedroom. 

Small layout shifts can make a huge difference — more space, better flow, and a vibe that finally feels right.
Your room deserves a glow-up, and it starts here.

Read More: https://archalley.com/how-to-arrange-a-bedroom/

#Archalley #BedroomArrangement #HowtoArrangeBedroom #RoomReset #BedroomUpgrade #DesignSmarter #SpaceThatSpeaks #HomeStyleInspo #LayoutLove #ModernBedroomGoals
Facebook Instagram Youtube TikTok Pinterest LinkedIn Twitter

A platform to showcase and inspire, Archalley connects you with unique architectural and design works that elevate awareness and appreciation across diverse communities in the region.

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Refund Policy

Categories

  • Commercial & Offices
  • Hospitality Architecture
  • Industrial & Infrastructure
  • Commercial & Offices
  • Hospitality Architecture
  • Industrial & Infrastructure
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape & Urbanism
  • Public Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape & Urbanism
  • Public Architecture
  • Refurbishment
  • Religious Architecture
  • Residential Architecture
  • Refurbishment
  • Religious Architecture
  • Residential Architecture
Submit Your Project

© 2024 Archalley™ | All Rights Reserved | Designed & Developed by BitLab (Pvt) Ltd ✨

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Projects
    • Commercial & Offices
    • Hospitality Architecture
    • Industrial & Infrastructure
    • Interior Design
    • Landscape & Urbanism
    • Public Architecture
    • Refurbishment
    • Religious Architecture
    • Residential Architecture
  • Academic
    • Research
    • Student Projects
    • Submit
  • News
  • Articles
  • Events

© 2025 Archalley™ | All Rights Reserved | Designed & Developed by BitLab (Pvt) Ltd ✨