Architectural Masterpiece of Bawa at Horagolla

When speaking of architecture in Sri Lanka, one name stands above all others — Geoffrey Bawa.

He is widely regarded as the father of Tropical Modernism, who inspired generations of Sri Lankan architects and transformed the country’s architectural identity.

Yet today’s story is not directly about the legendary architect himself, but about one of his remarkable creations completed nearly four decades at Horagolla.

Horagolla and Sri Lanka’s Political Legacy

The name Horagolla is deeply connected to Sri Lanka’s political history.

It refers to the ancestral estate of the Bandaranaike family in the Gampaha District, a family that produced three national leaders.

The estate became synonymous with the Bandaranaike political dynasty and remains one of the country’s most historically significant family properties.

A Stable Transformed into a Home

It was here that Geoffrey Bawa created yet another architectural masterpiece.

In the mid-1980s, Sunethra Bandaranaike, a member of the political family inherited a section of the Horagolla property and approached Bawa with a unique challenge.

The Challenge was to transform an old stable on the estate into a modern living space while preserving its original character.

Sunethra, a close friend and admirer of Bawa’s work, entrusted him with the project knowing his ability to blend architecture seamlessly with nature.

Bawa’s Vision of Tropical Modernism

Bawa believed every project should begin with the land itself — its trees, climate, light, and natural surroundings.

The architecture would then emerge organically from that environment.

Over a period of four years, Bawa carefully remodeled the former stable into a sophisticated double-height residence while retaining much of its original structure and atmosphere.

The stable hall, which once housed horses belonging to the Bandaranaike family, was transformed into an elegant living room.

Wide verandas overlooked landscaped garden courts, reflecting the traditional design elements of old Sri Lankan homes.

At Bawa’s recommendation, valuable indigenous trees such as Hora, Kottang, and Kohomba were planted around the property, strengthening the relationship between the house and its natural surroundings.

The interior incorporated reclaimed Burmese teak sourced from old houses across Sri Lanka.

Antique clay pots once used by traders to store dried fish, along with salvaged Dutch doors and other traditional elements, were integrated into the design, giving the house both authenticity and character.

The project was completed in 1987 and became the residence of Sunethra Bandaranaike, daughter of two Sri Lankan Prime Ministers and sister of Sri Lanka’s first female President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

A Landmark in Asian Residential Architecture

Horagolla remains one of the finest examples of adaptive residential architecture in Asia.

The project demonstrated Bawa’s extraordinary ability to convert existing structures into timeless living spaces without losing their historical identity.

The house continues to reflect the essence of Tropical Modernism, simplicity, openness, natural light, and harmony with the environment.

Geoffrey Bawa’s Lasting Legacy

Anyone interested in Tropical Modernism can travel across Sri Lanka and witness Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural legacy, much of which still stands proudly today.

Some of his most celebrated works include:

The Sri Lankan Parliament Complex
Heritance Kandalama Hotel
Seema Malaka Temple in Colombo
University of Ruhuna
Lighthouse Hotel in Galle
The Grand Oriental Hotel

Through these creations, Bawa redefined Sri Lankan architecture and earned international recognition as one of Asia’s greatest architects.

Geoffrey Bawa passed away in Colombo in 2003 at the age of 83, but his vision continues to influence architects and inspire admirers around the world.