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Soul Studio

Design Awards - 2025

Palinda Kannangara

Ambagaha Junction, Rajagiriya

Sports and Recreational - Honorable Mention

Soul Studio is a dynamic space that fosters creativity and collaboration, combining music, design, and community engagement. Originally an architect’s studio residence designed to house a vast collection of music and books, the building was reimagined to serve as a community hub, hosting workshops, performances, lectures, and exhibitions. Situated in the dense neighborhood of Ambaghahandiya, Rajagiriya, surrounded by residential buildings and a towering 12-floor structure, it prioritizes privacy and introspection, with a facade that shields the interior from the surrounding noise and views.The building is a layered composition, designed to minimize its footprint while maximizing its connection to nature. It preserves a large garden area, keeping mature jackfruit and coconut trees intact. These green spaces not only enhance the aesthetic but also provide a cooler microclimate and contribute to local biodiversity. The lower level features a multifunctional pavilion with a stone pool inspired by ancient ‘pokunas’, offering space for exhibitions and workshops.Above, a guest bedroom, living area, and library for creative residencies are connected by a roofed balcony, with an oculus that frames the sky while blocking views of the adjacent high-rise. The upper levels house a music room, a mezzanine cinema space, and a recording studio tucked below. The topmost level is a roof terrace with an edible garden, providing fresh produce, enhancing sustainability.


Archt. Palinda Kannangara

Palinda Kannangara Architects is known for an experiential architecture that hinges on simplicity, and connection with the natural environment. The firm’s work has been recognized for contextual sensitivity, crafted material use and a minimalism reflective of the Sri Lankan ethos. The firm has been the recipient of several prestigious national and international awards in its 14 years in practice. Their own Studio at Rajagiriya is one of the winners of the RIBA International Awards for Excellence in Architecture 2018.