Karunaratne House
Karunaratne House is a residential building located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, designed by architect Minnette de Silva and completed in 1951. It is considered one of the first houses in Sri Lanka designed by a woman and is regarded as an early example of Tropical Modernism, incorporating modernist design with local materials and techniques.
History
The house was commissioned in 1949 by Algy and Letty Karunaratne, acquaintances of de Silva's family. It was constructed on a hillside overlooking Kandy Lake. The project was notable for its response to site and climate, employing a split-level layout that followed the land’s natural slope.Design
Karunaratne House reflects de Silva’s interest in combining modernist design principles with local traditions and climatic considerations. Positioned on a steep site, the house follows the natural contours of the hill through a split-level plan, improving ventilation and minimizing disruption to the landscape.A curved staircase connects the internal levels, while the north-facing façade incorporates large windows and deep balconies to encourage airflow and provide views. The south-facing façade is mostly solid to reduce heat gain.
The house features local craftsmanship, including decorative tiles, lacquer work, and woven panels. These elements were produced by artisans and integrated into the architecture as functional and aesthetic components.