In Sri Lanka’s hospitality architecture, giant footprints have been created by world renowned architectGeoffrey Bawa, including his service to the iconic brands in the trade of hospitality. His remarkable concepts today become a unique experience in the industry. With his exceptional skills and expertise, he calls as the Father of Sri Lankan architecture and is the icon of Sri Lanka hospitality architecture.
Rather than traditional buildings, Geoffrey Bawa planned his creations to be filled with a sense of being one with nature. Thus, he could make an everlasting impact on modern architecture and created iconic Geoffrey Bawa hotels in Sri Lanka, embarking very-own Bawa haracteristics.
Deshamanya Geoffrey Manning Bawa, was a Sri Lankan architect. He was among the most influential Asian architects of his generation.
Born: July 23, 1919, Colombo
Died: May 27, 2003, Colombo
Parents: Benjamin Bawa, Bertha Marianne Schrader
Siblings: Bevis Bawa
Alma mater: St Catharine’s College, Cambridge; Royal College, Colombo
Some of the Bawa Hotels & Resorts;
- Heritance Kandalama
- Heritance Ahungalla
- Heritance Ayurveda Mahagedara
- Jetwing Beach Hotel
- Jetwing Lighthouse
- Blue Water Wadduwa
- Cinnamon Bentota Beach
- Avani Bentota
- Avani Kalutara
- Anantara Kalutara
- The Last House
Bawa House
Geoffrey Bawa House, a notable landmark of Sri Lanka still remain timeless in the heart of Colombo. Geoffrey Bawa, an icon of Sri Lanka’s contemporary architecture fused with tropical modernism. Lanka.
Lunuganga
Number 11
No.05 Lunuganga
De Saram House
Who is Bawa?
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.
With Ceylon Serenity Tours you can explore/experience the hotels designed by Geoffrey Bawa. You need to make early reservations since all these properties are highly demanding. Book virtual assistance with one of our senior Inbound Tour Specialist