As both the owner and designer of The Sa House, my vision was to give life to an old, weathered former cinnamon plantation home by transforming it with modern comforts yet honoring its heritage and surrounding nature. At the heart of the project was a commitment to respect the surrounding landscape and provide maximum privacy for the residents. We maintained the layout while using the courtyard to introduce a staircase to the top floor and an arch that frames the center tree and nature. We salvaged doors, terracotta tiles, and a selection of architraves, reintegrating them into the new design; a striking gesture is the feature wall of rock and clay in the living room, built with traditional Sri Lankan techniques from the original house, left exposed to pay homage allowing the home’s authentic story to take center stage.

To ensure privacy, we added a second floor dedicated to the bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, keeping private quarters distinct from the communal areas. Nature was our guide: strategically placed windows fill every corner with soft daylight and picture framing the landscape. In the living room, pivot doors fully open to the garden and a 17 m saltwater pool, creating a seamless indoor‑outdoor experience and a direct connection with nature. On the ground floor, the rooms near the living area were converted into two separate study rooms and a powder room, while the dedicated dining area and kitchen were outfitted with bespoke furniture and windows offering 180‑degree panoramic views to connect every meal with nature. We introduced a discreetly located staff building with a chef’s kitchen, storage and laundry for enhanced privacy.

We celebrated local craftsmanship by commissioning bespoke joinery and furniture in natural‑finish teak that showcases the timber’s rich colour and grain. Each piece—from built‑in cabinetry to freestanding tables—underwent several iterations and finish trials to achieve a natural feel while incorporating modern lines. Traditional Sri Lankan elements were integrated; for example, the coffee table’s legs feature intricate traditional carvings that contrast its minimal, plain top, a perfect blend of old and new. We also accented the interior with select antiques from various eras; one of our favourites are the rosewood side tables, adorned with gilded brass patterns resembling delicate vines, sourced from Jaffna and preserved in their original state to tell the story of multicultural Sri Lanka. Handcrafted matte black steel doors and windows further complement the modern approach. The study rooms and bedrooms were furnished with custom-designed teak furniture in a natural finish, accented by ivory linen curtains and custom-made light fixtures.

Intent on experiencing slow, intentional living with minimal digital distractions, we chose to forgo a conventional TV setup. Instead, a large projector screen that can be rolled up transforms the living room into a cozy cinema for family movie nights.