Lunuganga: The Living Canvas

Perhaps Bawa’s most personal creation, Lunuganga Estate near Bentota, was his experimental playground for over four decades. Once a derelict rubber estate, it was transformed into a tropical garden paradise that feels both wild and composed. Meandering pathways, hidden sculptures, water features, and open pavilions create a space that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. It’s not just a garden; it’s a living, evolving artwork that reflects Bawa’s love for nature, order, and surprise.

Number 11: The Urban Hideaway

Tucked away in a quiet lane in Colombo, Number 11 was Bawa’s city residence and design studio. Far from ostentatious, this modest townhouse is a masterclass in spatial manipulation and detail. Courtyards bring in air and light, antique furniture adds character, and modern lines flow with a distinctly Asian elegance. Now a museum open to visitors, it offers an intimate glimpse into the architect’s private world—his books, sketches, and the timeless ambiance he so carefully curated.

Heritance Kandalama: Hotel in Harmony with the Land

Built into the side of a rock cliff and overlooking the Dambulla plains, Heritance Kandalama is a remarkable example of sustainability and landscape-sensitive design. The hotel blends into its surroundings so naturally that you barely notice where architecture ends and nature begins. Vines crawl along its facade, corridors open to jungle views, and monkeys often swing past your window. It’s the ultimate luxury escape that doesn’t impose on its environment.

Sri Lankan Parliament: Power Meets Simplicity

Bawa’s vision extended beyond resorts and homes. One of his most iconic public works is the Sri Lankan Parliament building in Kotte. Set on an artificial island, it combines modernist geometry with traditional Sri Lankan elements like tiered roofs and stone columns. The design exudes quiet dignity, balancing national symbolism with contemporary aesthetics.

Legacy of a Visionary

What makes Bawa’s work truly timeless is his deep respect for place and culture. He never copied Western styles but instead adapted them to fit the Sri Lankan climate, landscape, and way of life. His influence can be seen in hotels, homes, and public buildings across the island and even beyond.

For architecture lovers, visiting his works is more than a tour—it’s a meditation on space, light, and life. Whether you’re sipping tea in a Bawa-designed hotel lobby or wandering through Lunuganga’s gardens, you’re stepping into a world where beauty and balance quietly unfold.