Geoffrey Bawa: The Architect Who Redefined Tropical Modernism

“ Architecture cannot be totally explained but must be experienced. It should play to all the senses – the smell of vegetation after rain, the sound of birds, and the wind in trees” - Geoffrey Bawa

Some architects leave a mark on buildings. Others leave a mark on how we live. Geoffrey Bawa (1919–2003) belongs to the latter. Celebrated as the father of Tropical Modernism, his work continues to inspire architects, designers, and creatives around the world with its seamless blend of modernist principles and local vernacular.

Bawa’s architecture is defined by balance and restraint. His buildings dissolve the boundaries between indoors and out, guided by light, landscape, and natural materials. Projects such as the Lunuganga Estate, the Kandalama Hotel, and his own residence at Number 11 Colombo reveal a masterful understanding of spatial flow and atmosphere. These spaces feel timeless because they are not imposed on their surroundings, but shaped by them.

This philosophy extended beyond architecture into the furniture and objects that inhabited Bawa’s spaces. Every piece was designed in conversation with the whole, never overpowering the room but quietly enhancing it. Chairs, tables, and lighting reflect the same sense of proportion, material honesty, and calm restraint that define his buildings, resulting in designs that feel both effortless and enduring.

In collaboration with the Geoffrey Bawa & Lunuganga Trust, Phantom Hands has reimagined over twenty of Bawa’s original furniture designs for contemporary living. Based in Bangalore, Phantom Hands undertook an extensive research and development process, working closely with the Trust to ensure each piece remains faithful to Bawa’s original intent while being thoughtfully adapted for modern homes. The collection spans seating, tables, lighting, and accessories, each crafted with precision, integrity, and cultural reverence.

What makes the Geoffrey Bawa collection so compelling is its quiet confidence. These are pieces that invite daily use, settling effortlessly into layered, considered interiors. Over time, they become part of the rhythm of a home, reflecting Bawa’s enduring belief that design should enhance life rather than compete with it.

At Tigmi, we have long admired Bawa’s ability to create spaces and objects that exist in harmony with their environment. The Geoffrey Bawa collection, reimagined by Phantom Hands, is a natural extension of these values, celebrating thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and lasting beauty.

The Geoffrey Bawa collection is available exclusively in Australia through Tigmi, for those seeking to bring this remarkable design legacy into their own homes.

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Geoffrey Bawa Collection

 

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