• 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

Pia’s Villa

ARCHALLEY by ARCHALLEY
June 30, 2020
in Projects, Residential Architecture
0 0
0
43
VIEWS


  • Architects: MMGS Architects
  • Lead Architect: Godridge Samuel
  • Project Architect: Chathurika Kulasinghe
  • Location: Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
  • Area: 2,655 ft2
  • Land Extent: 68 perch
  • Project Year: 2017
  • Structural Engineers: CLEF Consultants (pvt) Ltd
  • Quantity Surveyors: Construction Cost Consultants
  • Contractor: D. E. de Silva & Sons (pvt) ltd
  • Photographer: Ramitha Watareka
  • Author: Zeenat Nadia Firdous


Awards

Sri Lanka Institute of Architects Design Award 2019 – Merit  (Category: Private Residencies)



Pia Nesensohn from Austria adopted Sri Lanka as her second home and found a 68 perch land with dense foliage opening out to ‘Madu Ganga’ to build her tropical villa.

‘Madu ganga’ is a river located in the southern province of Sri Lanka, a bio diverse river ecosystem rich in mangrove flora and fauna. The tropical climate brings in seasonal heavy rain showers and alternating periods of sunshine and lighter showers through the rest of the year.

Set on a site sloping towards the river at its rear, resulting in a majority of the site being part of the riverside reservation, this building follows a simple plan with a manipulation of cubic forms, rustic materials and the topography of the verdant green landscape.



The building is designed to embrace the Natural Slope of the land rather than contend against it, by maintaining the existing slope and integrating the design to fit on the natural slope by means of retaining walls, ensuring minimal soil excavation and disturbance. Rather than having the building on stilts, the building rests on ground in the buildable area left, grounded and cascading with the natural slope of the site.



The built area is restricted and the form of the building moulded such that it romances with the greenery of its landscape – cantilevering outwards from the plane of the rubble walls, a fair-faced concrete cubic element encompassing two bedrooms with attached toilets, is punctured through the length facing views of river with center- pivoted louvered timber windows that serve multiple purposes- ventilation yet shelter, in built seating space and a fluid connection with nature.



The architectural experience:

The architectural experience involves progression from an elevated level by descending progressively down towards the rear garden alongside Madu ganga- descending physically, yet the architectural experience progressively elevating itself.

A cascading entrance ‘red gravel’ pathway allows the user to progress down the sloping land from the access road. This step-down pathway runs along the length of one of the rubble characteristic walls and allows the user to experience and feel a progression of the natural topography of the land.



The entrance doorway punctures its way through this rubble wall, to the living area, which in turn opens out to a linear pool, embellished by a cluster of ‘Diyapara’ plants that grow along fair-faced concrete retaining wall in a higher-level garden.

The living/dining area flanked between parallel sturdy walls finished in fair-faced rubble reveals itself out to vistas of the Madu Ganga, framed by sparse areas of foliage on trees that line the banks of this bio diverse river, creating a tranquil and relaxing environment.

The cut and polished cement floors of the living – dining area extend out beyond the designated space into the landscape and is elevated, with its raised plinth adorned by lush green Peace Lilies (‘spathyphyllum’).



Upper level Cantilevers act as overhangs, protecting the spaces beneath from tropical showers.

Louvers in upper level bedrooms allow light to filter through the slits, creating a play of light patterns that animate the floor throughout day. By night, light floods through large openings and filters through louvers lighting up the lush green vegetation and reflecting on the pool, the subtleness and warmness of the lighting accentuating the rustic modern materials, and helping to create a homely ambience.

A ‘ Buffer’ is created by arrangement of this louver screen with the seating, such that there is a transitional edge created between the external and the internal utilitarian space.



The area immediately surrounding the building is landscaped, allowing for a gradual transition from the building to the naturally vegetated rear garden along Madu Ganga. An organic meandering form inspired by nature’s curves, demarcates the designed landscape from the natural, yet smoothly transitions through. Lighting effects amplify the lushness of the surrounding existing ‘Kos’(Jack tree- ‘Artocarpus Heterophyllus’) and ‘Kiri Palu’(‘Buchanania axillaris’) trees.

The project is designed to be acclimatised to local tropical climate, responding by the manipulation of form, openings and detailing, complemented by the use of natural and localised materials- ‘A home away from home’


Text description provided by the architects


ShareTweetPinShareSendSendShareShareShareScan
Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Villa by Contemporary Ceylon

Next Post

White Lotus House

ARCHALLEY

ARCHALLEY

Related Posts

Residential Villa at Matara
Residential Architecture

Residential Villa at Matara

May 7, 2025
Mihira Home
Hospitality Architecture

Mihira Home

April 23, 2025
Residence at Kadawatha
Residential Architecture

Residence at Kadawatha

April 16, 2025
“388” Olympus
Residential Architecture

“388” Olympus

April 9, 2025
The Misty House
Residential Architecture

The Misty House

March 25, 2025
Tropical Townhouse
Residential Architecture

Tropical Townhouse

March 20, 2025
Next Post
White Lotus House

White Lotus House

Trow House

Trow House

House of Silence

House of Silence

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Ad

Trending

Sri Lankan researcher recognized by NASA
News

Sri Lankan researcher recognized by NASA


June 2, 2025
Glimpses of the Masters
News

Glimpses of the Masters


May 26, 2025
Warna 2025
News

Warna 2025


May 19, 2025
Lighting Types & Their Applications
Articles

Lighting Types & Their Applications


May 13, 2025

We're on YouTube

Subscribe

Follow us on Facebook

ADVERTISEMENT

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶 wasn’t just an artist, she was a storyteller who wove Sri Lanka’s identity into vibrant threads and architectural wonders. From handloom mastery to design brilliance, her legacy continues to inspire generations.

Read More: https://archalley.com/barbara-sansoni/

#BarbaraSansoni #SriLankanArt #TextileDesign #CreativeLegacy #ArchAlley #WomenInArt #CulturalHeritage #DesignInspiration

May 26

Open
𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 
𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶 wasn’t just an artist, she was a storyteller who wove Sri Lanka’s identity into vibrant threads and architectural wonders. From handloom mastery to design brilliance, her legacy continues to inspire generations. 

Read More: https://archalley.com/barbara-sansoni/

#BarbaraSansoni #SriLankanArt #TextileDesign #CreativeLegacy #ArchAlley #WomenInArt #CulturalHeritage #DesignInspiration

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮
Architects: Architect Muraj H W D
Lead Architect: Muraj H W D
Location: Matara, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2020
Photographer: Amila Ratnayake

Not just a villa — an experience carved into the coastline.
Set in the heart of Matara, this stunning three-level retreat is where modern design meets tropical ease. With 5 airy bedrooms, a private pool, and spaces that flow with light and breeze, it’s the kind of place that makes you pause.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/residential-villa-at-matara/

#MataraVilla #TropicalModern #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalEscape #DesignInspiration #LuxuryVillas #SriLankaHomes #Archalley #DreamSpaces #VillaVibes #InsideArchitecture

May 14

Open
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮
Architects: Architect Muraj H W D
Lead Architect: Muraj H W D
Location: Matara, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2020
Photographer: Amila Ratnayake

Not just a villa — an experience carved into the coastline.
Set in the heart of Matara, this stunning three-level retreat is where modern design meets tropical ease. With 5 airy bedrooms, a private pool, and spaces that flow with light and breeze, it’s the kind of place that makes you pause.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲:  https://archalley.com/residential-villa-at-matara/

#MataraVilla #TropicalModern #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalEscape #DesignInspiration #LuxuryVillas #SriLankaHomes #Archalley #DreamSpaces #VillaVibes #InsideArchitecture

𝗔 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Step into serenity, Nestled in Weligama, Villa Vista by Shigeru Ban is a stunning fusion of luxury and nature. With open spaces, ocean views, and a seamless blend of architecture and landscape, it’s where design breathes in harmony with the wild.
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/a-harmonious-fusion-of-luxury-and-nature/

#VillaVista #ShigeruBan #SustainableLuxury #TropicalEscape #ArchitecturalDream

May 9

Open
𝗔 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Step into serenity, Nestled in Weligama, Villa Vista by Shigeru Ban is a stunning fusion of luxury and nature. With open spaces, ocean views, and a seamless blend of architecture and landscape, it’s where design breathes in harmony with the wild. 
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/a-harmonious-fusion-of-luxury-and-nature/

#VillaVista #ShigeruBan #SustainableLuxury #TropicalEscape #ArchitecturalDream

𝗠𝗶𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲
Architects: Sumudu Abeygunawardena Architects
Lead Architects: Sumudu Abeygunawardena
Design Team: Prabhani Abeygunawardena & Sharadha Mallawa Arachchi
Location: Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2025
Photographer: Issy Crocker

​Introducing Mihira Home – a serene pool villa nestled in Ahangama, Sri Lanka, where contemporary design meets tropical tranquility. This thoughtfully renovated retreat offers a harmonious blend of comfort and nature, providing an idyllic escape from the everyday.​

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/mihira-home/

#MihiraHome #TropicalRetreat #SriLankaVilla #ArchitecturalDesign #AhangamaEscape

Apr 30

Open
𝗠𝗶𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲
Architects: Sumudu Abeygunawardena Architects
Lead Architects: Sumudu Abeygunawardena
Design Team: Prabhani Abeygunawardena & Sharadha Mallawa Arachchi
Location: Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2025
Photographer: Issy Crocker

​Introducing Mihira Home – a serene pool villa nestled in Ahangama, Sri Lanka, where contemporary design meets tropical tranquility. This thoughtfully renovated retreat offers a harmonious blend of comfort and nature, providing an idyllic escape from the everyday.​

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/mihira-home/

#MihiraHome #TropicalRetreat #SriLankaVilla #ArchitecturalDesign #AhangamaEscape

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁, 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲
A masterpiece of architecture and governance. Sri Lanka’s Parliament stands proudly amidst the waters of Diyawanna Lake. Where vision meets leadership.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/democracy-or-elitism/
#SriLanka #Parliament #ArchitecturalMarvel

Apr 28

Open
𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁, 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲
A masterpiece of architecture and governance. Sri Lanka’s Parliament stands proudly amidst the waters of Diyawanna Lake. Where vision meets leadership. 
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/democracy-or-elitism/
#SriLanka #Parliament #ArchitecturalMarvel

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮
Architects: KWCA – Kosala Weerasekara Chartered Architects
Lead Architect: Kosala Weerasekara
Project Architects: Sithija Shehan, Jenushan Satkunarajaha & Chalni Vithanage
Location: Kadawatha, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: MAD Factory

Discover the serenity of the Residence at Kadawatha by KWCA – Kosala Weerasekara Chartered Architects. This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a timeless retreat for a family of four. With features like lush courtyards, a signature outdoor shower, and sustainable materials, it`s a perfect harmony of design and nature.​

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: archalley.com/residence-at-kadawatha

#KadawathaResidence #KWCA #SriLankanArchitecture #TropicalModernism #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInspiration

Apr 23

Open
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮
Architects: KWCA – Kosala Weerasekara Chartered Architects
Lead Architect: Kosala Weerasekara
Project Architects: Sithija Shehan, Jenushan Satkunarajaha & Chalni Vithanage
Location: Kadawatha, Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: MAD Factory

Discover the serenity of the Residence at Kadawatha by KWCA – Kosala Weerasekara Chartered Architects. This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a timeless retreat for a family of four. With features like lush courtyards, a signature outdoor shower, and sustainable materials, it's a perfect harmony of design and nature.​

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: archalley.com/residence-at-kadawatha

#KadawathaResidence #KWCA #SriLankanArchitecture #TropicalModernism #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInspiration

Trailblazer in concrete and culture — 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗮 carved a path as Sri Lanka’s first female architect, blending modernism with tradition to shape a legacy that still inspires today.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/minette-de-silva/

#MinnetteDeSilva #ArchitecturalPioneer #WomenInArchitecture

Apr 16

Open
Trailblazer in concrete and culture — 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗮 carved a path as Sri Lanka’s first female architect, blending modernism with tradition to shape a legacy that still inspires today. 

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://archalley.com/minette-de-silva/

 #MinnetteDeSilva #ArchitecturalPioneer #WomenInArchitecture

“𝟯𝟴𝟴” 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀

Architects: PLAD
Lead Architect: Piumal Liyanage
Project Team: Shiwantha Appuhami
Location: Athurugiriya Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2025
Photographer: Ganidu Balasuriya Photography

Discover elevated living at 388 Olympus — an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Colombo. With sweeping city views, luxurious finishes, and world-class amenities, this residence blends modern design with timeless elegance. Experience life at the top.

- 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗼

#388Olympus #LuxuryLifestyle #ColomboLiving #ModernElegance #Archalley

Apr 10

Open
“𝟯𝟴𝟴” 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀

Architects: PLAD
Lead Architect: Piumal Liyanage
Project Team: Shiwantha Appuhami
Location: Athurugiriya Sri Lanka
Project Year: 2025
Photographer: Ganidu Balasuriya Photography

Discover elevated living at 388 Olympus — an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Colombo. With sweeping city views, luxurious finishes, and world-class amenities, this residence blends modern design with timeless elegance. Experience life at the top.

- 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗼

#388Olympus #LuxuryLifestyle #ColomboLiving #ModernElegance #Archalley
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 ✨