Holiday Home @ Diyathalawa, Sri Lanka

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Holiday home at Diyathalawa, Sri Lanka

Assignment type: Architectural Photography
Architectural design: Damith Premathilake Architects
Photography: © Ganidu Balasuriya | www.ganidubalasuriya.com

For photography booking inquiries,
Contact: +94765485587 | www.ganidubalasuriya.com

Located in the upcountry dry zone region of Sri Lanka about 2 kilometers away from the Diyathalawa town & military training school, is a cozy abode designed by Architect Damith Premathilake. Perched amidst a forest of pine trees on a cliff, the house is an ideal hide out for relaxation and contemplation in the cold climate.

The two storied structure with the steep roof designed to suite the climate, blends in with the setting among the pine trees to give a unique experience. The nature of the forest and the notion of being in the woods is thoughtfully incorporated in the design. The green color roof resembling the canopy of a tree and the slender steel columns that portray the nature of a cluster of pine trees has created a very simple yet modest abode.

The location provides breath-taking views of the forest, while the simple two story structure celebrates the location with the placement of spaces. The design frames views of the pine forest at different points of the house. Intimate spaces with seating that gives the opportunity to experience the forest in close proximity are carefully incorporated into the design.

Use of timber, steel and rubble adds to the elegance of this simple structure. The use of stone for flooring was to further enhance the ambience that is brought in from the surrounding, similar to the hard earth beneath the tall trees. To add to the sustainable construction of the cottage, the timber ceiling constructed out of deconstructed palette boxes adds a subtle texture to the structure. A unique timber screen made of handmade timber boxes acts as a feature wall along a passage in the ground floor. This is also a result of reusing the left over strips of timber during the construction process.

Set against the backdrop of a starry night sky, the holiday homeis lit up by warm lighting at dusk. A soft warm light on the base of a few surrounding trees, portray the idea of light reflecting off the structure. This effect also emphasizes the dwelling carefully while merging with the site.