Setting the Scene: A Marshy Backdrop
Situated in the outskirts of Colombo, The Studio House by KWCA – Kosala Weerasekara Chartered Architects, is nestled against a marshy terrain, providing a distinctive setting for a residence tailored to a software engineer client transitioning to remote work post-pandemic.
Embracing Simplicity: Living Big in a Small House
With a focus on cultivating a tranquil live-work environment, the project embodies the ethos of “living big in a small house,” prioritizing intentional simplicity and essential needs to minimize costs while nurturing a homely atmosphere. This philosophy underscores the project’s design from its inception.
Innovative Cost-Effective Design
From the outset, the goal was to build efficiently, catering only to essential needs, and minimizing costs without compromising on comfort. Innovative structural elements, including a grid pattern of box bars and corrugated Zn-Al sheets for cladding, not only enhance strength and stability but also contribute to cost reduction.
Sustainable Architecture: A Thoughtful Approach
Material Selection and Structural Integrity
The Studio House exemplifies a thoughtful approach to sustainable architecture through its choice of materials and structural design. The use of concrete for the substructure, complemented by a superstructure of steel box bars, ensures durability and longevity.
Thermal Efficiency and Natural Ventilation
Exterior and interior coverings, such as roofing sheets and cement plaster boards, coupled with thermal insulation, mitigate heat gain, promoting thermal comfort within the house. Cross ventilation and a narrow building breadth further enhance interior cooling, reducing the need for artificial cooling systems.
Harmonizing with Nature
The building’s orientation along the east-west axis minimizes heat gain, while efficient space utilization and a larger garden area harmonize with nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. The lightweight design and innovative principles of the structure further contribute to its sustainability.
Socially Responsible Architecture: A Holistic Vision
Environmental Impact and Affordability
The Studio House champions environmental sustainability, affordability, and social equity. By reducing its environmental footprint and promoting adaptability and flexibility, the project sets a precedent for socially responsible architecture in Sri Lanka’s housing landscape.
A Vision for Sustainable Living
Through its embodiment of the “living big in a small house” concept and commitment to sustainability, The Studio House offers a holistic vision for sustainable living. By addressing housing challenges and promoting a socially responsible approach, it paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
