Gunawardane Residence | 2-Story Modern Urban Oasis Borella
Design Vision for Urban Sophistication
Located in the bustling urban center of Borella, this project is a masterclass in creating a private sanctuary within a high-density environment. Spanning 2,650 square feet on a 9.5-perch plot, this two-story residence is designed to balance the sleekness of modern industrial materials with the cooling presence of water and wood.
The Architectural Vision
The design centers around a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, where the living areas open directly onto a private swimming pool deck. The exterior profile is defined by a sophisticated mix of warm timber and sharp aluminum accents, creating a facade that is both durable and aesthetically striking. Large-format glazing is utilized throughout the two levels to ensure natural light permeates the home while maintaining strict privacy from the surrounding urban landscape.
Key Project Features
• Timber & Aluminum Synergy: We have specified a hybrid material palette, using architectural-grade aluminum for sleek structural lines and premium timber for warmth in the ceilings and decorative screening.
• Ground-Floor Social Hub: Unlike traditional layouts, this home features a private mini-bar integrated into the ground-floor living area, positioned to serve both the indoor lounge and the poolside deck.
• Urban Aquatic Retreat: A central swimming pool acts as a natural cooling agent for the ground floor, providing a serene visual anchor for the dining and transition spaces.
• Sleek Utility: The design includes a modern, minimalist kitchen and separate servant quarters, ensuring high-level functionality without compromising the home’s luxury aesthetic.
CLIENT
Mr. Shihan Gunawardane
Location
Borella
Total Area
2,650 Sq. Ft.
Levels
Two-Story Residence
Accommodation
03 Bedrooms / 03 Bathrooms / Servant Room & Bathroom
Key Materials
Architectural Aluminum, Premium Timber, Polished Concrete, Glass
Special Features
Private Swimming Pool, Ground-Floor Mini Bar, Timber-Aluminum Hybrid Facade
Why the Gunawardane Residence Stands Out
By combining the modern durability of aluminum with the organic texture of timber, this house is more than just a building; it is a curated urban environment. In a city like Borella, where space is a premium, this design successfully integrates high-end amenities like a pool and a mini-bar into a compact, 2,650 sq. ft. footprint, ensuring the home accommodates a vibrant modern lifestyle.
A Modern Urban Sanctuary
The Vision
Mr. Shihan Gunawardane envisioned a home that felt “natural yet cutting-edge”—a design that offered the privacy of a fortress with the social openness of a luxury villa, right in the center of the city.
The Challenge
The primary concern was maximizing the 9.5-perch land to include high-end features like a pool and a social bar without making the interior feel cramped. The client needed a partner who could execute a hybrid material design using timber and aluminum with meticulous precision.
The Apexes Approach
At Apexes Design & Build, we serve as the bridge between a client’s imagination and architectural reality. For this design stage, we are focusing on:
• Material Harmony: Blending the cool, modern feel of aluminum with the inviting warmth of wood.
• Spatial Efficiency: Engineering a “breathing” home that feels expansive despite its urban constraints.
• Social Integration: Designing the ground floor specifically for entertainment and relaxation.
The Result
A visionary multi-level residence currently in development, featuring a tranquil poolside lounge and a master suite that defines urban luxury through sophisticated, simple lines.
