The Atrium House

Architects: IDOLARCH Associates (Pvt) Ltd
Principal Architect : Chamara Liyanage
Location: Horana, Sri Lanka
Area: 4,867 ft²
Project Year: 2019
Structural Engineers : Wasantha Pushpa Kumara
Photographer: Onil Wasantha Migel Arachchi

Set in the outskirts of the suburb township of Horana, located in 47 Km from the capital city of Colombo, in a lush sloping plot of land overlooking paddy fields and greenery, the Atrium House, as per its namesake, is a unique, compact design which is centered over a sunlit atrium at the heart of the building.

The central atrium of the house is where the living spaces and circulation converge, and its presence is further enhanced by the grand vista of the green landscape beyond, all which are attuned to the spatial presence of the atrium. Even as one enters the house, the tunnel-like entry foyer treats the visitor to a surprise atrium vista of the landscape. Such framing of views between what is within and without, combined with free flowing spaces is a recurring feature of the house, which leads to an increasingly pleasant experience of space.

The atrium itself is a space which bears witness to the changes of the sky and air during different times of day and year, which adds a unique effect in terms of the resident’s experience of the passage of times and seasons. Due to the placement of the atrium, the other key spaces of the house get to share into this experience, each from a different viewpoint. Even the family spaces have been designed with the idea of free visual contact between them, and centered around the atrium space which is a great benefit to the social functions of the house.

The building interior and ambiance is further enhanced by the use of white surfaces combined with glossy highlights and floors, and a simple yet stylish array of furniture. Natural ventilation is encouraged by the design via the intelligent placement of tall window openings, as well as louver panels that are located on side of the central volume.