Visit the Geoffrey Bawa House

Geoffrey Bawa is a renowned Sri Lankan architect of all time and was the primary driving force behind what is now known as tropical modernism. Geoffrey Bawa was originally a lawyer. But since it lacked appeal he quit his job and left the country. Returning some time later he fell in love with an abandoned estate; now named Lunuganga, with the intention of transforming it into an Italian garden and villa. Realizing his lack of knowledge in architecture, he went on to study Architecture in UK. He returned to Sri Lanka then, and started working on designs that were clearly influenced by tropical modernism. He worked in countries such as India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Japan, Pakistan, Fiji, Egypt and Singapore as well and his works include schools, clubs, houses, hotels, offices and government buildings. Geoffrey Bawa was one of the most successful architects in the country, and was a person celebrated for his work and his unique creativity. He started out small and over time went on to become very influential person for aspiring architects who looked up to him. His early projects were inspired by ‘tropical modernism’, which can be seen in schools, factories and office buildings.
His home, Number 11, on 33rd Lane has a long history dating back to 1958 when Bawa had purchased the third house of four houses that lay along a bend at the end of the lane, and converted into a small apartment which had only a living room, bedroom, small kitchen and maid’s room. The fourth house fell vacant then he bought it and incorporated the space by creating a dining room and another living room. A decade later the remaining houses were bought and added into the main structure and the first house was deconstructed and rebuilt as a four storey building.
At present, this property has never been subjected to any change, thereby providing guests the opportunity to learn in detail about this influential architect. His bedroom and office room are kept in its original state with all the personally designed light fittings and furniture in place. The two-bedroom Visitor’s suite is rented to guests who wish to stay here. Located on the first floor of the building, it features two bedrooms and a spacious sitting area. Children below 17 years are not permitted since there are many invaluable artifacts and furniture from Bawa’s private collections in this suite. This villa displays Bawa’s unique architectural styles reflecting contemporary art inspired by the tropics. When you enter through the main door and into the carport, you will see a Rolls Royce and a Mercedes Coupe parked; Geoffrey Bawa’s vintage cars. Prior permission from the Geoffrey Bawa Trust office is required in order to access the ground floor.