House in a House is a light, airy private residence in suburban Colombo. It’s barn-like profile intersecting a house-like void has given the nickname “House in a house.”
The interiors are filled with soft light filtering through a series of skylights, & deeply recessed glazing cuts out the glare and heat gain, high ceilings draw hot air up, inducing airflow, and the deep ceiling cavity creates a thermal buffer: creating a passively controlled and conditioned environment inside.
With the sun’s movement, the metal screen changes its pattern, and the light from skylights travels the walls, activating drama. Free-plan, high-volume public spaces are juxtaposition with discreet private areas. The house can extend boundaries through verandas to the gardens or shrink to a minimum depending on the weather or the occasion.