Importance
Geoffrey Bawa’s House, also known as Number 11 Colombo Residence, is a significant landmark in Sri Lanka. Geoffrey Bawa was one of the most famous architects in Asia, known for creating unique buildings that blend modern and traditional styles. His house is a masterpiece that shows his talent and creativity. It is not just a house but also a museum that tells the story of Bawa’s life and work.
Why You Should Visit It?
Visiting Geoffrey Bawa’s House gives you a chance to see the home of a world-renowned architect. You can explore the rooms where Bawa lived and worked and see his personal belongings and collections. It’s a must-visit place for anyone interested in architecture, design, and history.
Attractions and Things to See
- Architectural Design: The house itself is a beautiful example of Bawa’s architectural style. You’ll see how he used space, light, and materials to create a unique living environment.
- Personal Collections: The house contains Bawa’s collection of art, furniture, and artifacts from around the world.
- Garden: The small but charming garden is a peaceful spot filled with greenery and sculptures.
- Rooms: Explore the different rooms, each with its unique design and purpose, including Bawa’s bedroom, living room, and studio.
Number 11 is characterized by its introspective design, with a narrow entryway that unfolds into a broad living space, which then compresses again through encloses including the bedroom and dining area. This interplay of space and light is a hallmark of Bawa’s architecture, creating a sense of tranquility and contemplation.
The house also features a Corbusier-influenced roof terrace, where Bawa could sit and contemplate his next project. The property is surrounded by a lush garden, with a frangipani tree providing shade at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Activities to Do
- Guided Tours: Take a guided tour to learn more about Geoffrey Bawa’s life, his work, and the history of the house.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the house and garden through photography.
- Sketching: Bring your sketchbook and draw the fascinating details of the house and its surroundings.
- Relax: Spend some time in the garden or courtyard, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the surroundings.
What makes Geoffrey Bawa’s House (Number 11) unique?
Seamless Integration with Nature
One of the most striking features of Number 11 is its harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape. Bawa meticulously integrated lush gardens, reflective ponds, and shaded walkways into the design, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the urban environment. This connection to nature is enhanced by the use of courtyards and verandas that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting the natural elements into the living areas.
Rich Cultural Context
Bawa’s residence is not just an architectural masterpiece; it also serves as a repository of Sri Lankan culture and history. The house is filled with art and artifacts collected by Bawa, reflecting his deep appreciation for local craftsmanship and heritage. This personal touch adds a layer of narrative to the space, making it a living museum that tells the story of Sri Lanka’s architectural evolution and Bawa’s own journey as a designer.
Unique Design Elements
The design of Number 11 is characterized by its use of traditional Sri Lankan elements alongside modern aesthetics. The interplay of geometric forms with local motifs creates a visually captivating façade. Bawa’s choice of materials, such as timber and stone, not only adds warmth to the interiors but also respects the local building traditions. The incorporation of features like skylights and varying textures throughout the house enhances the sensory experience of the space, making it feel both dynamic and inviting.
Legacy of a Visionary
Finally, Number 11 is significant as it represents the culmination of Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural philosophy. His approach to design was deeply personal and intuitive, often described as an “essay in architectural bricolage.” This means that the house is a compilation of ideas and inspirations rather than a rigidly planned structure. Bawa’s legacy is palpable in every corner of Number 11, making it a vital part of Colombo’s architectural landscape and a source of inspiration for future generations of architects.
In conclusion, Geoffrey Bawa’s House (Number 11) is unique not only for its architectural brilliance but also for its thoughtful integration with nature and cultural significance. It stands as a testament to Bawa’s innovative spirit and remains a must-visit for anyone interested in the architectural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Can you stay at Number 11?
Yes, you can stay at Geoffrey Bawa’s House, in Colombo. The house has a dedicated Visitor’s Suite available for guests, which includes two bedrooms and a spacious sitting room. This suite can accommodate up to three guests and is rented to only one party at a time, ensuring a private experience.
Accommodation Details
- Visitor’s Suite: Consists of a double room and a single room that share a bathroom. The suite is furnished with Bawa’s original art and furniture, providing a unique glimpse into the architect’s life and work.
- Facilities: Guests have access to a rooftop terrace and a common living area. Breakfast is served in the main dining room, but lunch and dinner are not provided.
- Age Restrictions: Due to the presence of valuable artifacts and furnishings, children under 17 years old are not permitted to stay.
Booking Information
To stay at Number 11, it is advisable to contact the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, which manages the property. The house is not operated like a typical hotel, so reservations should be made in advance to ensure availability.
Apart from the Colombo Number 11 Residence, there are three more properties of Geoffrey Bawa where you can stay
2. De Saram House, Colombo
Located at 61/6 Ward Place, De Saram House is another property designed by Bawa, which operates as a boutique hotel. It features various private suites that maintain the charm of Bawa’s design philosophy.
3. Lunuganga Bentota, Sri Lanka
Lunuganga Country Estate offers an enchanting experience that captures Bawa’s visionary design. Nestled near Bentota on the West Coast, this 15-acre retreat features 10 rooms, a swimming pool, and guided garden tours. Guests can immerse themselves in Bawa’s carefully crafted architectural details and serene, leaf-framed lake views, all within the soulful ambience of this artist’s haven.
4. No.05 Lunuganga Bentota, Sri Lanka
Stay in Geoffrey Bawa’s former home in Bentota, where nine uniquely furnished rooms and suites are spread across the Lunuganga garden in independent, artfully styled buildings. These rooms, preserved as Bawa envisioned, frame stunning views of the garden, lake, treetops, and distant Buddhist stupas. Whether you choose the expansive Gallery Studio, the treetop Glass House, or the family-friendly No. 5 at Lunuganga, you’ll be immersed in Bawa’s inspirational legacy. Each room offers a secluded, serene escape, with some suites featuring private sit-outs serenaded by exotic birds.
Time Taken from Colombo Fort
Geoffrey Bawa’s House is located in Colombo, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to get there from Colombo Fort by car or taxi.
Guidelines by Geoffrey Bawa Trust
Number 11 House Tours
Address:
No.11, 33rd Lane, Bagatelle Road, Colombo 03
Number 11 may only be visited by joining one of the Trust’s guided tours, available at the times listed below.
Please note that to preserve the premises for future generations and help conserve our collections, tour numbers are limited in size and tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kindly note that if the Guest Suite is occupied by overnight visitors, it will not be shown during the tour. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience.
Visit Times
Monday to Friday: 10.00 a.m. | 2.00 p.m. | 3.30 p.m.
Saturday: 11.00 a.m. | 4.00 p.m.
Sunday: 11.00 a.m. only
Tour duration: 45 minutes
Reservations are encouraged.
Entrance Fee
Local rate: LKR 2500
Foreign rate: LKR 5000
Local student rate: LKR 500 (must be carrying a valid student ID)
Free admission for CiMAM members carrying a valid membership
Appointments by email: admin@geoffreybawa.org
Telephone: +94 (11) 4337335 (Weekdays 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.)
Mobile/Whatsapp: +94 777 323978
Private tours
Private tours by Trust curators can be arranged by prior appointment, subject to availability of staff, for a fee of LKR 80,000/- per tour, for a maximum of 4 people, LKR 10,000/- for any additional people, upto 20 max.
Photography
Photography is allowed without the use of flash or tripods of the entrance, hallway, office, guest suite and terrace; publication or commercial use of photographs is only permissible if expressed approval has been obtained from the Geoffrey Bawa Trust.
Accessibility
We welcome visitors with disabilities but there are steps throughout the house so not every part of the interior will be accessible to all. Regretfully, due to layout, the house is inaccessible for wheelchairs. Please let us know about any special requirements in advance and we’ll try to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
All proceeds from private tours support the education and preservation mission of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust which is a non-profit, public trust.
Visit Geoffrey Bawa’s House Number 11 website for more details: https://geoffreybawa.com/
Visiting Geoffrey Bawa’s House is a wonderful experience that offers a glimpse into the life and work of one of Sri Lanka’s greatest architects. Whether you’re a fan of architecture or just looking for a unique place to visit in Colombo, this house is definitely worth a visit.
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