This contemporary nursery features Lauzon's Select & Better Hard Maple in Herringbone. This magnific Hard Maple flooring from our Ambiance Collection enhance this decor with its marvelous natural shades, along with its smooth texture. This hardwood flooring is available in option with Pure Genius, Lauzon's new air-purifying smart floor.

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This contemporary nursery features Lauzon's Select & Better Hard Maple. This magnific Hard Maple flooring from our Ambiance Collection enhance this decor with its marvelous natural shades, along with its smooth texture. This hardwood flooring is available in option with Pure Genius, Lauzon's new air-purifying smart floor.

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Project Type : Residential Location : Ethul Kotte Land Area :3267 sqft ( 12 p ) Architects : Archt. Sameera Dharmasena (menakaimai design studio) : Archt. Menaka Karunarathna (menakaimai design studio) Structural Engineering : Eng Sajeewa Edirrisingha Write-up : Archt. Navoda Rthnayaka Photographs : Amila Rathnayaka (Amila Rathnayaka photography) Just as the eyes are the windows to a person’s soul, a house is a window to its architect’s aspirations. The residence for Mr. Alex and family at Ethul Kotte is a perfect example for this, which is an open book with multiple layers. From the entrance to the rooftop, each space creates a specific impression and reveals a little more about the users, as it has been perfectly captured by the architect. The house is located at the further end of a narrow drive-way, almost hidden from view with its dark façade and greenery, and sits in a compact lot that opens to a marsh at its rear end. With its cladded wall of cement blocks with a unique imprint and the line of bamboo covering the length of the front wall, the boundaries are defined effortlessly while drawing focus to the main entrance. Earthy feeling created at this point heavily dwells on the solidity of the materials and the muted color palette, which is juxtaposed by the lightness of the timber gate, perforated external façade and screen of vines flowing down from the rooftop. Upon entering, the ambiance of the house changes from its somber guarded exterior to a bright and spacious interior that completely opens to its surroundings. The floating staircase that climbs along the dark titanium wall and the adjoining courtyard run through the full height of the building, merging the solids and the voids at all levels. Spatial organization in the house is predominantly in three layers and each section of a floor has a clear demarcation between the public and private spaces. Spaciousness is achieved through the simplicity of the spaces, minimalistic furniture and muted tones that are complemented by the complete openness created by the glass facades covering the full height of the spaces. Another noticeable feature is the landscaping where thick low hedges are broken by thin trees to mimic a rampart that characterizes the intermediate space between the interior and boundary of the site, which is demarcated by the alternating solids and voids of the boundary fence. The ground level creates a warm, welcoming ambiance that is ideal for entertaining guests. From the lines of textures and materials used, to heights and orientations of furniture, each element complements each other to add volume and composure to the space. A peculiar feature is a subtle inspiration from Japanese architecture that is visible in the sharp lines and several decorative features, which enhance the ambiance with splashes of vibrancy created by the simple, yet colorful elements. While the open living-dining space is a subtle fusion between a modern western living space and the Sri Lankan lifestyle that welcomes nature and social interactions, privacy of adjoining spaces such as the kitchen and bedroom is ensured by isolation made pleasant by their private courtyards. Gradually gracing a visitor at the extended landing of the first floor is the calming sight of the full height cross formed by light filtering through crafted gaps on the wall which becomes a feature and an open shrine. This , seamless flows to the rest of the floor with its vibrant, spacious family living room and TV lobby a that connects all these well as the custom-designed bedrooms The ambiance of each room voices the unique needs and tastes of its user, while the private balcony screened from the outside by a perforated aluminum façade and a screen of vines, creates an intimate niche. A significant feature is the glazed walls of the master bedroom, which are only screened by thick canvas shades that open to a mesmerizing sunset and a view of the marsh. This makes one question the concepts of privacy traditionally Sri Lankans, whereas the user appears to be embracing the vulnerability in openness and enjoying the soothing beauty in nature through the same. The second floor is mostly the rooftop garden and bar, which is a multi-functional space ideal for a small gathering. The curtain of creepers covering the full height glass façade separating the bar and open terrace creates a significant change in ambiance by defining the cozy, timber interior of the bar, against the outdoor-, where the monotonous greenery is only broken by a splash of red from the punctured cover of a service staircase running to the upper rooftop level. The uniqueness is in how each space caters for contrast in transition between ambiances spanning from an intimate, mystic bar area ideal for isolation, to a lively social space creates a unique mood compared to the rest of the house. The rooftop thus completes the transition of spaces from open and interactive interior to a mind-palace and a garden that inspires the soul. “I think that my job is to observe people and the world, and not to judge them; I always hope To position myself away from so-called conclusions; I would like to leave everything wide open To all the possibilities in the world.” -Haruki Murakami- Layering is a key feature in this design, which is evident in how the façade filters inwards from the curtain of greenery, permeable panel and the external wall, as well as the spatial structure of the interior. The linear form of the building, where the living spaces completely open-out through the glazed facades at the rear end of each floor merges these family-spaces with the neighborhood, which avoids complete isolation of the family. Thus, the design is inspired by the need for a sense of freedom in the residents, while allowing the house to become a place for escape when desired.

Lighting fixtures come in different forms and styles, and they are used to provide a source of light in the home. Indeed, if you are to take photos of your rooms, you will see that they contribute to the style implemented by your interior designer. However, these lighting fixtures do more than add to a home’s aesthetic; they are placed in such positions, in such forms, to perform a specific function. Every interior design company in Singapore knows that lighting design comes in three forms: ambient or general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Accent lights are often seen to support both ambient and task lighting sources, but how do you maximise their features? According to interior design companies in Singapore, lamps are used to accentuate homes in various ways, such as the following: 1. Accent lighting brings out the function of space. As homeowners, we do not always realise the true function of space apart from its semantic or aesthetic value. By strategically placing an accent light, we can see, feel, and utilise the purpose of a specific area of the house. For example, corridors leading to bedrooms are often empty and left unattended. However, with recessive lights installed, we can better see that these passageways direct us to different rooms where we find comfort. Lights in corridors also give us the freedom of movement, as the illumination guides us when moving from one part of the house to the other. 2. Accent lights help build the ambiance in the room. Another important aspect of home interiors is the ambiance. The right ambiance gives you as the homeowner, as sense of belongingness in your own space. Ambiance is an underlying reason people hire interior designers to renovate their homes –they want to make their space liveable, and at it all begins by achieving the right environment. While ambient lighting provides the general illumination around the room, accent lights support them by boosting the level of surrounding ambiance. You may notice these when you switch on the corner lights or the frosted wall lamps instead of the centre light; your room becomes cosier and indulging, allowing you to relax feel at ease. An excellent type of accent lighting are backlights. They keep the room lit without having to brighten up the entire space. Interior designers use these in areas of the house where a cosy or comforting ambiance is most wanted, such as the bedroom. They also use it in kitchens and living rooms to maintain a peaceful vibe at night without making the space dark. 3. Accent lighting also creates balance between pattern, texture, and form in the home. Accent lighting likewise creates balance between the different elements of interior design. These include pattern, texture, and form. While ambient lighting illuminates the entire room space, accent lights on the other hand help make the space look wider at certain situations. They can also be used to tone down sharp textures in between the spaces, from ceilings to walls to floors. In a way, accent lights create harmony and continuity across the home’s interiors. Overall, accent lighting is all about amplifying a chosen mood for the room. Using the right fixtures, you can achieve the kind of atmosphere you want not only in your specific places but for your entire house.

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