Sri Lankan architect Palinda Kannangara's home and studio outside of Columbo nods to brutalism, with sustainable double-layered concrete and perforated brick walls. The rooftop is the greenest element, strewn with an herb garden and biological pond that regulates storm water. Hovering within the main volume is the living area, buoyed by jungle views, as dramatic a sight as the double-height office.
The perforated brick walls aid with heat management.
A roof deck offers views of both the city and the surrounding marsh. The roof's biological ponds regulate stormwater, while its edible herb gardens and paddy fields help to keep the interior of the home cool despite the tropical heat.
Brick and board-formed concrete are the primary materials of the rugged, yet elegant, structure.
Among the most dramatic spaces is the double-height office with sculptural installation.