Nuwara Eliya
Back
Between Leaf and Lake:
A Sri Lankan Retreat

Set along the edge of a tea estate in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, this home sits gently between cultivated hills and a quiet stretch of water. The design is guided by its surroundings—open to the breeze, oriented to the views, and anchored by a simple, honest material palette.

 

 

Rather than relying on mechanical systems, the building breathes with the landscape through cross-ventilation and shaded openings, creating a space that feels naturally cool and connected to the environment. It’s a place to slow down, watch the light shift through the day, and feel the breeze move through.

alt="A double height space at the buildings core creates a social way to connect from different floors"
alt="Interior bar and a living space with views over the tea fields"

The roof has been carefully designed to invite natural light while allowing warm air to rise and escape, helping the home stay cool throughout the day — all while keeping the wide, open views untouched.

 

 

The materials respond to the site’s tropical character, drawing both texture and tone from the surrounding tea fields and water’s edge.  The earthy and local tones welcome you in quiet conversation with the landscape, so you can stay connected to the natural beauty throughout the day.

alt="A split level living space connects the dining space to the garden, following the level change of the land below"