Nestled within the densely packed make-shift dwellings in a rundown neighbourhood adjoining Beira Lake, the unit had fallen into a state of immense disrepair with oozing sewer systems, leaking pipes and hanging wires, and afforded poor living conditions. The client, a Sri Lankan origin British Citizen with dual citizenship, was keen on revitalizing the 4-decade old apartment that used to store film reels, gifted to him by his grandfather. Despite the restricted space and severe lack of privacy, this renovation project focused on altering the carbon deposited, gloomy and cramped apartment into a cozy studio dwelling by breaking walls to create a larger space. The neighbourhood had experienced decades of uncontrolled and haphazard development and adamantly opposed the renovation. Gradually, with the development of the common areas, landscaping and the fixing of leaking pipes, they were more welcoming of the changes and were even interested in improving their own spaces.
