The Art of Small Spaces: Inside 8 Leyn Baan with Afdhel Aziz

A Personal History Rooted in Galle

“My relationship with Galle goes back to childhood,” he reflects. “My father grew up here, and I spent my holidays wandering these streets, playing cricket on the ramparts, and absorbing the rhythms of the Fort.”

The property itself came into his life in 2004, when he inherited it from his grandmother. At the time, it was a small lawyer’s office near the courthouse square – unassuming, functional, and far removed from the serene retreat it is today. Yet even then, its potential was unmistakable.

Though no precise records exist, the building dates back to the 17th century, its walls still bearing traces of pink coral, a material used during the Portuguese and Dutch periods. “You feel the weight of history in a space like this,” he says. “It’s something you have to respect.”

Reimagining a Heritage Space

The transformation of 8 Leyn Baan was not immediate. For years, it remained a place of possibility – visited occasionally, imagined often. It was only in 2022, when Afdhel regained full possession of the property, that the vision began to take shape.

Working within the strict conservation guidelines of this UNESCO-listed site required both restraint and creativity. “You’re not just designing a space, you’re working within centuries of history,” he explains.

To bring that vision to life, he turned to Zowa Architects and interior designer Avisha De Saram, collaborators who shared his instinct for thoughtful, place-led design.

“They understood immediately that this wasn’t about imposing something new, but about revealing what was already there. The riads of Marrakesh were a big inspiration, where unassuming exteriors give way to stunning spaces,” he says.

A Bawa-Inspired Vision

At the heart of the project was the influence of Geoffrey Bawa. While working on his documentary on Bawa, Afdhel became deeply immersed in the architect’s philosophy, one that champions local materials, craftsmanship, and a seamless dialogue between past and present.

“The brief was simple,” he says. “Sri Lankan. Contemporary. Sustainable.” That ethos runs through every detail, from the use of local timber and rattan to the carefully curated collection of Sri Lankan art. The result is a space that feels both rooted and refined, quietly luxurious without ever being ostentatious.

Designing for Intimacy

At just 436 square feet, the footprint of the house demanded a different kind of thinking. Rather than expand, the design embraces its compactness, drawing the eye upward with a dramatic double-height ceiling and a lofted bedroom.

“It was always going to be small,” Afdhel explains. “So, the question became – how do you make something small feel expansive, and at the same time, intimate?”

The answer lies in its balance: a fluid, open-plan layout paired with tactile, grounding elements like timber, brass and woven textures to create warmth and depth. It is, unmistakably, a space designed for stillness, with local design touches, including art from Chamila Gamage, and furnishings from Cane Cult.

A Hidden World Within

What makes 8 Leyn Baan so compelling is its sense of contrast. From the outside, it blends seamlessly into the rhythm of the Fort. Inside, it becomes something else entirely – a private, almost cinematic retreat.

“I wanted it to feel romantic, almost magical,” he says. “A place where you can step away from the bustle and find a sense of calm.” That idea extends beyond design into experience. Managed by Teardrop Hotels, the property offers the intimacy of a private residence alongside access to the comforts of Fort Bazaar – a seamless blend of independence and service.

The Enduring Magic of Galle

For Afdhel, however, the true magic lies beyond the walls. “Galle has a way of slowing you down,” he reflects. “It’s in the sounds, the light, the movement of people through the streets. You can sit quietly and just watch life unfold.”

And perhaps that is what 8 Leyn Baan captures so effortlessly, a place not just to stay, but to pause. A tiny jewel, shaped by history, memory, and a deep love for one of Sri Lanka’s most evocative settings.