Residential Farmhouse Landscape Project at Narammala, Sri Lanka
To transform a fertile residential site into a farmhouse-inspired landscape that prioritizes permaculture, food forest systems, and small-scale farming. The design builds upon the site's favorable soil conditions and gentle slope to create a productive, sustainable, and aesthetically grounded environment for modern family living.
Entry Landscape
The entry landscape serves as the primary interface between the public road and the private sanctuary, establishing a sense of rustic elegance through an arched masonry entrance. This clean white render contrasts with a textured, natural stone-clad boundary wall that secures the property while acting as a backdrop for lush native shrubs. Beyond the gate, the driveway is paved with naturally textured stone, guiding visitors toward the house while maintaining the authentic, earthy character of a traditional farmhouse.
Arrival Court & Central Farmhouse Hub
Upon arriving from the entry landscape, visitors are welcomed into a versatile arrival court that functions as the property's central hub for domestic life and social interaction. This zone features a newly proposed car porch with a minimalist timber and steel structure, integrated seamlessly with the existing house to provide a functional and shaded parking area. Adjacent to the porch is a designated Swing Area, where a simple wooden swing is suspended from a mature tree, creating a playful and nostalgic focal point for the family. This central space is further enriched by a stone-clad circular fire pit and seating area, perfectly positioned for evening gatherings. Overlooking the garden, a rustic Bird Feeder is introduced to attract local avian life, reinforcing the project's commitment to biodiversity and sensory connection with nature.
Permaculture & Food Forest Space
This zone forms the ecological and productive heart of the Narammala landscape, utilizing layered structures to function as a self-sustaining food forest. Within this immersive greenery, a Natural Pond is positioned at the site's lowest point to respond directly to natural water flow and regulate the microclimate. Strategically integrated within this environment is the Outdoor Dining Space, an open-air pavilion supported by minimal pillars that allows the family to enjoy meals with an elevated view of the food forest and pond. Winding pedestrian paths connect this space to the rest of the property, emphasizing a slow and contemplative journey through the productive land.
Backyard Landscape & Secondary Entrance
The backyard is designed as a functional domestic landscape that supports daily activities through a dedicated Kitchen Garden Area. This zone features stone-clad raised beds and clean pathways that organize the seasonal cultivation of herbs and vegetables. A Secondary Entrance with a handcrafted wooden door provides characterful and private access for maintenance, ensuring that service needs are met without disrupting the home's privacy. Supporting the property's closed-loop sustainability, Compost Units are discreetly integrated into the layout to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Biodiversity & Livestock Zone
This area enhances ecological health through a Butterfly Garden & Pollinator Zone and sustainable Bee Honey Boxes. A sculptural Bird Water Feature is included, providing a dedicated spot for birds to drink and bathe amidst a vertical herb-box matrix. The Chicken Coop completes the farmhouse atmosphere, featuring a durable brick and timber structure designed to interact with the garden's nutrient cycles. These integrated spaces allow the garden to mature naturally as a meaningful and sustainable landscape for everyday life.
Development Phases
Site Analysis
Comprehensive site assessment including soil analysis and slope evaluation.
Design Development
Permaculture planning and farmhouse landscape conceptual design.
Documentation
Construction drawings, planting schedules, and specifications for farming systems.
Construction
Phased implementation including landscape, food forest, and farming infrastructure.