Name & Location : “Bed Sitter” at Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
142 sq. meter
Built-up area .
Cost of Project : (US$) 1585()
(In case of Public Building minimum built-up area should be 1000 sq. meter)

Description of Project :

By the side of the Piliyandala- Kottawa road, in a narrow, extensive plot of land 142 perches in extent, I intended to build my own dwelling & office, location of the office at the road front a house towards the rear,began its development at the road front segment, in response to a sudden requirements of a dwelling.

Therefore, it was decided to make maximum use of the plot & create a flexible space which could be transformed to an office later on an element that will act as a guard wall to future development in the site.

In response to the busy road the initial idea to create a strong solid envelop, to keep away from the hustle & bustle of the surrounding & create more tranquil interior.

The distinctiveness of the creation is the method in which, It was conceptualized two environment as approached the design, the building at present & future.

To respond the present & the future it was intended to combine the sleek geornetry that gives rise to alively anlbience & technology that proinotes energy conservation through green architecture, which defines through my own practice.

Materials of Construction Details :

The external walls of structure are 2feet thick cavity brick walls with recessed timber glazed openings protected against harsh weather conditions contribute to add discipline to the design. Thick cavity brick walls have offer the potential to control the impact of solar gain & prevent the indoor overheating.

The recessed openings in the walls which are in the ‘shadow’ of the wind can then serve as outlets for the wind, thus enabling cross-ventilation of the whole building the actual angle of the sash then determines the direction of the airflow. The cubical form has been maintained by the use of a concealed purlin roof its weight transformed to concrete beams which fortns a concealed concrete gutter at the verge.

The correct orientation, form & style of the building maximise the energy gained through the passive systems.

The interior is lit up by two light tracks recessed in the nat ceiling which runs the length of building from tnaster bed room containes a narrow sky light running the width of the room. The provision of daylight & the avoidance of the need for daytirne artificial light,lnean less energy is consumed.

The spaces is further simplified incorporating various funtions to the partion walls,one becomes a cupboard for the
Inasler bed rooin and the other a work top for the pantry. This simple internal subdivisions enhance the cross ventilation, through
the building and also produced the better overall ventilation of the building.

Special Features

The entire form of the building is a simple cube standing boldly amidst the free flowing landscape. On entry one is greeted by gravel courtyard ,with the reflecting pond at the western end. The black tiled surface of the pond ahnost like a mirror reflects the earthy coloured walls of the building .

Sheltered and unsheltered spaces blend almost, seamlessly, the living & dinning extends it self to the entrance courtyard, while the top hung windows on the southern wall allow the cool air streatns to flow through the space creating & relaxing sensation in the atmosphere.

The interior consists of utility core, where the pantry, toilet and store are located anmore flexible living quarter containing the master bed room, living, & dining.

The use or interactive space has been helpful interms of extending the boundry for each function as in
the integration of living & dining into a unit.