INTERIOR
Model farm Road
A tiny plot with many restriction from both the regulations and site constraints. This property overlooks the Colombo Golf Course and has only 6 exclusive units.
Dilmah Independence
Located in the Independence Arcade in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the tea lounge was originally an unused space which was a part of ruins dating back to the British Period. It originally came up 3 decades ago as the Auditor General’s Office which was later destroyed. For years, the arcade remained closed until the Government decided to rent out the frontal space for commercial use, which was when Dilmah Teas bought over a plot for the setup of the lounge.
The space is very inviting due to the presence of numerous arched openings running along the walls but still manages to retain an introvert feel to it. The brown wooden doors and the white walls on the outside are made to subtly merge with the surrounding space of the colonial arcade. The concept was to design a tea stall inspired by the Parisian Cafes but retain the touch of Middle East Asia through it’s dark wood interiors and lattice worked arched window work. There’s a certain warmth to the space and it works well for a quick bite during the day or an evening tea. The false ceiling with written history of tea and its types adds a modern touch to the space. The tea café also accommodates a well arrayed section for the sale of different types of tea leaves and products.
Brandix Seeduwa
Brandix converted their 30 year old 130,000 sq ft factory complex in Seeduwa consisting of three sewing plants into a Green factory at a cost of US $ 3 million whereby receiving Platinum Award under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) – the first apparel factory in the world to receive this highest award with the highest grading, yet unmatched anywhere else to date. It also received the highest honour of being judged as the National Winner for Sri Lanka at the Energy Globe Awards 2008 in the Air Category held at Prague by the Energy Globe Foundation.
The environments within the working areas were changed with the introduction of two indoor green courtyards providing all occupants with views. A rainwater harvesting system was installed along with a tertiary filtration system and a disinfection process which allows waste water to be recycled back for toilet flushing and gardening.
DSI Head Office
Plot is a rectilinear land on a slope where the lowest part is at the edge of the High Level road. This part of the land where it faces the main high level road is also its narrowest point and an important junction at Nawinna. The node at the road connects 3 roads around an old Bo-tree. The long elevation of the plot is facing the side access road of the premises.
There are two levels of showroom and two levels of office space. The showroom spaces are rentable and parking is at an adjoining facility. The building creates open to sky platforms as it rises to each level and creates a recess so that the bulk of building is reduced. The showrooms are highlighted by use of a different form and the colors used.
Dilmah Chathum Street
Located in the prime area of Colombo Fort within the square of the Dutch Hospital premises, the rented space faces the Dutch Hospital on one end and the Chatham Street on the other as the main entrance. The land area is h1000 Sq. ft.
The Chatham street has been opened up by the government of Sri Lanka after been closed up for many years due to terrorist war in the country. The shops and offices within this street are been renovated and been offered for lease to esteemed establishments and individuals. Chatham Street is also access to the Presidents official residence and the Central bank building. Chatham street node also graces the world’s only Lighthouse which houses a clock.
The interior blends traditional values and modern conveniences. The idea was to create a ‘Library’ sort of atmosphere which contrasted with a busy street outside. We wanted to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere and the whole idea was a blend of traditional English culture and the robustness of Sri Lankan vernacular architecture.