Book a Bawa-designed space
for your next event!
Number 11
The Geoffrey Bawa residence at 33rd Lane in Colombo is a labyrinthian combination of four small houses that Bawa acquired and converted into a single house over a decade starting in 1958. Geoffrey Bawa’s important collection of art and artifacts remain within the premises as Bawa had them in his life.
Roof terrace
Geoffrey Bawa designed a modernist roof terrace crowning this three storey house in the tower he added once he had acquired all 4 houses from Harold Pieris. He would often go up to contemplate the city outside as it changed around him and entertain his close friends on this terrace. The terrace offers a perfect setting for intimate gatherings of up to 8 for afternoon tea or sunset drinks
De Saram House
In 1986 Geoffrey Bawa undertook the renovation of two small houses at Ward Place for Druvi and Sharmini de Saram. In April 2019 the Lunuganga Trust took on the management of the house Bawa designed, having worked with the de Sarams to fully restore this lyrical house. The restoration was part of the Trust’s programme to conserve Bawa buildings and sustain their ongoing operation and maintenance. Druvi is one of Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed pianists, and the house is designed with a music room at its centre. As part of the de Saram house restoration, the Trust also undertook the conservation and display of key art works in the Bawa art collection and the de Saram family art collection. An intrinsic part of the experience of the de Saram house, these works form a crucible display of works from the '43 Group, who were a catalyzing force behind the development of 20th century Sri Lankan Art.
Dining and meeting space
This airy space features a dining table which seats 14. All windows and doors can be opened up onto a reflective pond and the main courtyard beyond. The courtyard adjacent to the dining room frames a whimsical minstrels' gallery. Ideal for private meals, meetings, workshops or press events.
Music Room
Considered the heart of the house, this beautiful, air conditioned space which holds a baby grand piano is an ideal space for intimate concerts, performances or readings. It can seat up to 40 theatre-style. The room opens out onto the main courtyard and has an attached ticketing space and restroom available if required.
Lunuganga
Geoffrey Bawa purchased an abandoned rubber estate in 1948 which he proceeded to convert into a garden and name “Lunuganga”. He continued to work on the gardens throughout his life and they were a crucial space for architectural explorations in his practice. The central house is a 1930s plantation bungalow that Bawa remodeled over the years to create vantages of garden and water. A series of terraces, pavilions and follies are scattered throughout the gardens, providing ideal vantages from which to take in the vistas.
The main bungalow, North and Eastern terraces can be hired for events of up to 100 people while many locations within the garden make for ideal performance spaces.
Number 05 at Lunuganga
In 1962 Ena de Silva and her husband Osmund commissioned Geoffrey Bawa to design their home in a modest plot in the heart of Colombo. Bawa's design negotiated the increasing urbanity of the site with an introspective design which was both radically modern and drew inspiration from traditional architectural tropes in Sri Lanka, like the central courtyard. The success of the design makes the house a pivotal project in Bawa's career. It was also the beginning of a deep friendship between Ena and her architect. In 2009 when Ena wished to sell the land the house was built on, the Lunuganga Trust worked with a team of architects, archaeologists and engineers to carefully disassemble the house and rebuild it stone by stone at Lunuganga, where it stands today.
The central courtyard and adjacent living room can be hired for events of a maximum of 30 whilst Anil’s room can be hired for workshops or art classes for a maximum of 10.
Catering
All caterers and vendors for events at Trust Properties need to be approved prior to the event.
Filming & Photography
Photography and filming on the properties for any purposes beyond personal use is only permitted with written approval from the Board of Trustees. Please contact archive@gbtrust.net to make a request.
Group tours
We recommend that large groups arrange private tours. Please contact programmes@gbtrust.net to book in advance.
Contact Us
To arrange or discuss an event, or to find out rates, please contact programmes@gbtrust.net.
All income generated through venue hire goes towards the conservation and care of the collection and properties as well as the development of the on-going education and exhibition programmes.