Geoffrey Bawa’s Modernist Vision: The Jayawardane House

It was a rainy day in Sri Lanka when my friend Aswin Raju and I set off from Colombo to Mirissa. Our destination: the Jayawardane House, a masterpiece by the legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. We were excited to witness firsthand one of his most celebrated works. Despite the heavy traffic slowing our bus journey, we were eager to reach our destination. We arrived in Mirissa, a beautiful beach town about 150 km south of Colombo, around 10 AM. Unfortunately, the skies were ominous, threatening a downpour.

Finding Bawa’s Modernist Gem: The Jayawardane House

The Jayawardane House sits atop a cliff, roughly 1 km from Mirissa. Built in 1996 for V.R. Jayawardane, a former president of Sri Lanka, the residence isn’t easily visible from the main road. As we were unfamiliar with the area, locating the entrance proved a bit challenging. The pathway leading to the house was shrouded in the shade of lush trees, creating a welcoming, if slightly mysterious, atmosphere. The rustling leaves, the occasional hissing sound (perhaps a snake!), and the whistling wind added an element of adventure, while the curious gaze of monkeys kept us entertained.

After our 1 km trek, we finally reached the top of the cliff and caught our first glimpse of the house. We were instantly captivated. It was clear that Bawa had, in this project, explored a modernist approach, deviating from his signature tropical modernism style. The heavy rain intensified, practically pushing us inside and allowing us to fully appreciate the spatial quality of the interior. We stood beneath the floating roof, taking in the stunning landscape. We later learned that the current owner, Pradeep Jayawardane (grandson of the former president), had transformed the house into a boutique villa. This Geoffrey Bawa architecture in Sri Lanka is a must-see for any architecture enthusiast.

Modernism Meets the Mirissa Coastline

Bawa’s modernist design for the Jayawardane House utilizes steel and glass, creating a striking structure. The slightly inclined roof, supported by steel columns, gave me a distinct feeling of being in a European context, reminding me of Mies Van Der Rohe’s glass houses. The expansive open area facilitates the flow of sea breezes through the building. The living and dining spaces seamlessly blend with the open area, while the bedrooms and family living area are located at the far end. Above this section, a master bedroom offers panoramic views of Mirissa beach on one side and Bawa’s carefully crafted landscape on the other. The dining table, interestingly, is supported by an electric generator, adding a unique touch to the overall design. This Mirissa villa showcases Bawa’s versatility and genius.

A Cliffside Panorama and a Storm Brewing

As we explored Bawa’s modernist approach in Mirissa, the rain intensified. Undeterred, we ventured to the edge of the cliff and were rewarded with breathtaking views of Mirissa. Bawa’s integration of the natural surroundings into the landscape design was truly remarkable. The house seemed to float like a pavilion within the garden, respecting the existing natural conditions. The landscape architecture by Geoffrey Bawa enhances the beauty of this coastal retreat.

While we were absorbed in the beauty of the location, the weather took a dramatic turn. Although it was only midday, it felt like evening. The wind howled, the rain lashed down, and the trees swayed violently. The air felt charged, and I sensed a storm approaching. The locals at Red Cliff confirmed my suspicions, warning us of the impending danger. As we headed back to the house, I noticed a concrete structure projecting from the trees on the other side of the cliff. I realized it was the residence designed by the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando for the Belgian ambassador to Sri Lanka. The presence of these two architectural giants, Bawa and Ando, side by side, created a powerful moment, a lasting memory of their unique talents. This Sri Lanka travel experience, exploring the architecture of Geoffrey Bawa and Tadao Ando, is one I will cherish forever.

This architectural tour of Sri Lanka was a highlight during my architectural internship.