Lightness of Touch, Free Flowing Minmalisim
Bawa House Featured in Deezen
Alter Architects has thoughtfully updated a charming mid-century house nestled in East Sussex, England, utilizing a carefully considered layout and a materials palette that draws inspiration from the vibrant aesthetics encountered during trips to Sri Lanka. This innovative project, named Bawa House in honor of the renowned Sri Lankan modernist Geoffrey Bawa, represents a comprehensive renovation of a typical two-storey detached residence originally constructed in the 1960s. The design by Alter Architects effectively reconfigures the interior layout to enhance the connection with the surrounding gardens, echoing the harmonious integration seen in many of Bawa's celebrated works. Furthermore, the exterior has been transformed with a striking new cladding made of vertical larch battens, adding a contemporary touch to the home's character.
Multiple Vistas From The Retro-Mod House
The Sri Lanka reference initially originated from the property’s owners, who have a deep love for the country and spend a significant amount of time there each year. They operate a travel company called Soul & Surf, which specializes in curating unique surfing and yoga trips for adventurous travelers. The ‘Linear’ style is characterized by its slick and sleek appearance; this minimalist and modern design not only emphasizes clean lines but also allows the stunning surrounding scenery to seamlessly flow into and enhance the interior of the building.
Flipping Orientation - Transforming Layout
Enhancing Overall Living Experience
This exploration led the design team to delve deeper into some of Bawa's iconic house designs, placing particular emphasis on the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. By thoughtfully adding extensions to the ground floor on both sides of the structure, and then creatively flipping the orientation of the existing staircase, they successfully transformed the layout, resulting in a more open-plan ground floor for Bawa House. This innovative approach allowed for multiple openings that connect the interior directly to the beautiful gardens, enhancing the overall living experience.
Careful Attention To Craftsmanship, Materials & Detail
Fusing Contemporary Lines
With Nostalgic Elements
The building looks very different from before, featuring new larch cladding on the upper walls that improves both its appearance and insulation, boosting energy efficiency. Below, the original brickwork is painted a deep grey that fits the design. The style reflects a retro-modern villa, blending modern lines with classic touches. Inspired by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the house integrates nature well and pays careful attention to craftsmanship and materials. Inside, a mix of materials, colors, and textures creates a welcoming feel. The ground floor's kitchen, dining, and living areas showcase a blend of dark and light surfaces, including a striking black tiled fireplace, warm oak flooring, a sleek two-tone kitchen, and beautifully crafted wooden pocket doors.
Fostering Harmonious Connection Indoor & Outdoor
Interacting Smoothly With Surroundings
The hallway features a soft and inviting pink, while the bathrooms showcase striking dark green hexagonal tiles complemented by beautifully speckled terrazzo flooring. The new and thoughtfully designed layout includes a total of four spacious bedrooms: three are situated upstairs, and there is a conveniently located guest suite on the ground floor, ideal for accommodating potential elderly care. By reversing the staircase design, we successfully created a stunning double-height entrance hall that significantly improves the connection between the private bedrooms and their associated bathrooms. The master suite now boasts a charming oak window seat that provides a picturesque view overlooking the beautifully landscaped south garden. Centrally located within the home, the property offers breathtaking views of the vibrant gardens that surround it. Inspired by the architectural philosophy of Bawa, we meticulously designed a seamless interaction between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape, thereby enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, ultimately resulting in a significantly better living experience.
