Home interior design: The concept of the house is ventilation
The concept of the house is ventilation and having air moving through it at all times,” said Jaliya Ratnayake, Chartered Architect explaining his design. Located in Battaramulla, only high walls can be seen to the outside but once within the courtyards and large open window spaces has given this home the open feel of the tropics.
The main entrance leads directly in to a small garden through which is the main lobby, “so that visitors will not walk right in to the house but have a small reception,” he explained. An inner glimpse of the house is obtained from a passageway common to the service entrance as well as the guest bedroom, leads to the main house. The central courtyard is adjoined by a small pond on one side and connects the house to the outside.
“The living area is open to the front and back garden by French windows giving it a large space,” explained Mr. Ratnayake. The main living space is small but does not feel constricted due to the adjoining greenery on either side. Having the creative freedom to design as he pleased the only specifications made by the owner, Sanjey Gunaratna, was the number of rooms required.
“This house is special because of its simplicity,” there are no extraordinary creations, no special nooks but a comfortable and airy home with ample privacy. The second floor consists of three bedrooms with a large master bedroom. The concept of cross ventilation is practiced here with the passage way open to the courtyard below with large barred windows leading from the staircase and master bedroom to the entertainment space and two bedrooms on the opposite side.
The passage way faces another wooden stairway leading to a penthouse/attic room for Mr. Gunaratna to enjoy some quiet time.
The large open windows even though barred to keep out strangers does not prevent the occasional bird or squirrel from fluttering by, which does not interrupt the owners at all. It also does not hinder the travels of these tiny creatures who are allowed free passage at any time. “My idea was to bring people in to the house so that they can enjoy the space, the gardens and the privacy,” said Mr. Ratnayake.
