Sonal Balasuriya Architects & Design Studio

14/04/2025

Wishing all a Happy New Year!!

11/03/2025

This boutique hotel design in Kandy, integrates element’s of traditional Kandyan architecture with contemporary features. The main building is positioned atop a hillock with panoramic views of the Kurunegala lowlands whilst the chalets are located amongst a lush mixed spice plantation. Our architectural design draws inspiration from Kandyan features such as steep double pitched roofs, timber roof structures, and open verandas, promoting natural ventilation, light and an uninterrupted connection with the surrounding environment. Influences from colonial plantation architecture such has tea factories and spice oil distilleries have also been accentuated by the use of materials like steel and glass panels, which also enhances the connection to the surrounding forest and plantation. The result is a unique, timeless design that honors Kandy’s cultural and architectural heritage while embracing modernity.

14/04/2024

Wishing all a Happy New Year!

12/01/2024

Restoring Antiquity!

This is a renovation and interior design project of an exceptional 17th century building. The initial house dates back to the Portuguese colonial period. The house has subsequently undergone many renovations and additions during the past 300 years of existence.
The renovation of the outhouse which had been used as a court room during the colonial period is an exciting but challenging task. The idea is to renovate the building converting the back office space into a bedroom and the court room into a living space preserving the platform where the judge (village headman) would have once stood passing judgement on his subjects. The interiors will be meticulously restored adding on period details from old photos and creating a space that resembled a colonial court room. The furniture we have chosen includes burgomaster chairs from the Portuguese colonial period used by law makers and elites of the time. A British colonial period roller top bureau along with a colonial four poster bed creates the ambience of a lawyers bedroom of the past.
The interiors of the historical Wallawa, needed careful thought and a cohesive strategy in the selection of furniture and accessories. The Wallawa is to be used as a boutique hotel property, therefore spatial arrangements were rethought of and colonial period furniture are being meticulously reproduced, some using exotic woods like ebony and satin wood. Accessories from rare types of spice jars to Chinese ceramic vases that were traded along the sea routes of colonial Galle are being collected. Sofas in Linen and rugs in jute completed the cool but sophisticated interior ambience.
Sofas in linen and antique ebony chairs, along with a carefully curated collection of antiques and paintings helps the interiors achieve a sense of understated luxury. The success of this design project lies in our ability to unearth the stories of past, creating spaces that allow the user to experience the sophistication of an by gone era. Our unwavering attention to detail, thoughtful curation of colonial furniture helps recreate the glory and elegance of 17th century colonial Living.

03/10/2023

Creating a seaside aesthetic! Designed by SBA!

17/09/2023

27/08/2023

The meeting of East & West, two very different cultures united by a passion for craftsmanship and atmospherically rich spaces! Coming Soon, The Gentleman’s Bar Independence Arcade, Colombo, Sri Lanka!

08/08/2023

Designed by Team SBA!
Isn't it time we contemporize Kandyan Architecture? Kandy and its architecture is something deeply rooted in SBA culture. We feel its rich arts, culture and tradition needs to influence the buildings and spaces of today. The kandyan kingdom was an era of sophistication and glamour. It’s a period in time which could to be reinvented to suit today's 21st century needs. We strive to create extraordinary spaces that are simple and minimalistic and yet are a deluge of sophistication. We have taken pride in detailing this building and its spaces giving the user inspiring atmospherics to enjoy the mountainous vistas of this great city, Kandy!

27/06/2023

Designing colonial! Interiors by SBA!

24/03/2023

26/02/2023

SBA strives to take contemporary vernacular design to suit the needs of the 21st century family. This home has elements of truly local nature but is spatially futuristic. The exposed concrete exterior is mixed with sea sand (sourced locally)that containers fragments of shells and coral. The off shutter finish will be achieved by using boat deck timber strips. The floors are polished concrete. The inner courtyard takes a organic form creating the illusion of an oasis when viewed from the lane leading to the property. The interiors will be decorated with a timeless collection of furniture, art and artifacts that are layered upon the minimalistic inner structure. We keep striving to create spaces that are intrinsically local but keep pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.

25/02/2023

Visit us at ARCHITECT 2023!