PROJECTS

HOSPITALITY

We design hotel and leisure projects that set new operational, commercial and experiential standards, at every level; resulting in exclusively sociable spaces and architectonic marvels. Our specialist consultants empirically contribute in instilling local and regional identity in ways of traditional or modern design concepts that promotes cultural tourism.

Holiday villa for Richard Cotton & Penny Burgess

With the idea of creating a unique beach house that gave an impression of class and exclusivity, this old traditional house located near the vicinity of a beach was systematically transformed into an elegant beach house. Also an additional pool was placed that could emphasize the richness of the house and to keep the design in line with its unique theme.

Villa Wambatu

A quiet Oasis of relaxation on the outskirts of Galle, the hill house bungalow has been designed to be one which is opened up to the nature, where the thick green canopies of the rolling lands below grace the view for as far as the eye can see. As per the client’s request, the bungalow was designed to provide a soothing and refreshing holiday experience that would help to reconnect with the beauty of nature.

Dwell Hotels

Project taken over by the author during stage 5 construction phase. Planning approval was acquired by a non-architect who was deceased during the construction of the project. Approximately 70% of the shell and core works were completed.

The client requested that we improve the scheme that was approved. Hence made improvements to layouts of the approved plans and submitted an application as amendments to approved plans.

A ninety-bedroom hotel project with basic amenities including 3 restaurants, gym, swimming pool and spa. This is a bio approved project with tax exemptions for imports and from the local market.

Client pre-selected a contractor who had worked with him on previous projects.

Expected tourist board rating was in the 3-star category. However, the client endeavoured to provide facilities at a 4-star level with no added room rate. Hence the occupancy rate was always more than 70%.

Holiday villa for John and Irina Stavis

This project is a renovation of 1927 British colonial style house in Mirissa, Galle. The house had originally been a ‘Weda Madura’, the residence of the village doctor.

As the client wished to rent the house at times as a holiday villa, four bedrooms with attached toilets were a necessity. To introduce the additional bedrooms, a second floor was added to this single story building that had previously only had an attic. To accommodate an additional floor, the existing walls were raised. The existing load bearing walls were of adequate thickness which allowed the design to be column less. However, re-plastering with a steel mesh layer further strengthened the walls. To retain the character of the building, the existing roof was reconstructed over the new floor. The raised roof consequently created a double height space at the back that was made into an open verandah. The verandah was designed as a dining area facing a high cliff, creating a very private and calm space.

On Houses Boutique hotel

On houses, Weligama is a boutique development of four luxury villas, situated in Weligama, on the beautiful south coast of Sri Lanka. On houses, Weligama is in a quiet and secluded bay with its four villas built into the hillside and each with uninterrupted view of the white sandy beach and the clear waters of the Indian Ocean and lush tropical gardens. The villa design is inspired from the Shela Beach houses in Lamu, Kenya.

Each villa is hallmarked by meticulous attention to detail, with custom crafted interiors and wide south facing vistas to the ocean. The villas comprising On Houses, Weligama, are set in generous gardens with mature trees and natural landscape. Each villa design features an infinity edge swimming pool and generous terraces to enjoy tropical living and maximizing the benefit of passive cooling from ocean breezes. Each villa includes five en suite bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas, separate outdoor dining pavilion, separate two bedroom staff quarters, enclosed garage, private gym and state of the art entertainment and technology.

Holiday Villa for Gillian Anderson

An abandoned 70-year-old Walawwa, in Pasyala, once owned by an aristocratic family was converted into a boutique holiday home for the American actress, Gillian Anderson. The project is a complex of buildings including the main Walawwa house that was restored. The buildings are situated on five acres of land with a beautiful landscape. The landscape was treated as different zones with varying planting and feel of spaces. One of the key design issues to be resolved was to create a cohesive language between the various buildings that had been added on at various times. The pre dominant style of the complex was a mix of Kandyan and British building styles and it was decided to develop the complex along these same styles. For the renovation, much of the original details were retained, the Kandyan roof was re-laid with flat shingles, the floors were polished black and the grand staircase brought back to its former glory. The client’s interest and passion in the project are also reflected in the design of the bedrooms that has unique interiors. Antique furniture was specially sourced from Britain, India, as well as Sri Lanka to re-create the character of the old walawwa. The bathrooms were given the same attention to detail and the master bathroom was fitted out with ‘Carrara’ marble for a luxurious finish befitting a Hollywood celebrity.

Karpaha Sands - Kalkudah

Karpaha-Sands-swimming-pool-rubble-Kalkudha-Passikudah-Beach

Located along the coast of Kalkuda, overlooking the amazing Indian ocean, this is a resort of luxurious chalets that cater to all kinds of avid nature lovers. These chalets have all been designed and constructed so as to have a minimal impact on the environment and hence the natural surroundings have been preserved and practically untouched. Use of materials directly from nature in the design marks a key feature in this project. By utilizing three types of chalets, namely, garden bungalow, family bungalow and beach bungalow, the resort caters to a variety of guest preferences. With the landscapes designed to blend in perfectly with the natural surroundings, this resort is a sight to behold.

Boutique Hotel - Kandy

Complete refurbishment to existing mahagedera. As the expansion of the existing spaces was not allocated in the client’s budget, the tourist board requirements for space standards of luxurious boutique type suites were not possible. This issue was informed to the client at the outset of the project. Also some essential amenities like the swimming pool and spa was to be considered after operating for a few years. Hence the anticipated revenue from the rooms were not possible and room rates were revised. Business is still only just breaking even to date.

Pros and cons of the various contracts were informed to the client initially a traditional form of contract was used during construction (standard bidding document procurement of work major contract sbd/02). Although the construction cost was low, client requested this contract to be used as he thought that a detailed contract provisions would be beneficial for this project.