Nestled in the upcountry dry zone region of Sri Lanka, just 2 kilometers away from the Diyathalawa military training school, is a charming retreat crafted by Architect Damith Premathilake. Set amidst a forest of pine trees atop a cliff, this holiday home offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and contemplation, blessed with a mild climate averaging around 20℃ (68℉) throughout the year.
Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Design
The cottage’s structure emerges from a thoughtful reimagining process, transforming an existing caretaker’s hut into a cozy haven. A distinctive feature of this transformation is the adaptive reuse of timber palette boxes, repurposed with care and ingenuity. These timber boxes, sourced from used shipping palettes, are skillfully incorporated into the upper floor, adding character and identity to the cottage. Additionally, leftover timber strips are ingeniously repurposed to create a unique timber screen along the ground floor passage, further enhancing the cottage’s sustainable ethos.
Elegance in Simplicity
Complementing the timber elements, steel and rubble are elegantly integrated, enhancing the cottage’s understated charm. Stone flooring adds to the ambiance, echoing the natural surroundings and grounding the structure amidst the towering pine trees. Designed as a two-story structure with a steep roof optimized for the climate, the cottage seamlessly blends into its forested setting. The green Zinc Aluminum roof mimics the canopy of a tree, while slender steel columns evoke the image of pine trees, creating a harmonious and modest retreat.
Framing Nature’s Beauty
Strategically positioned within the forest, the cottage offers breathtaking views at every turn. The design thoughtfully frames vistas of the pine forest, inviting residents to connect with nature. Intimate seating areas allow for moments of quiet contemplation amidst the lush surroundings. At night, the holiday home glows like a lantern, casting a warm and inviting glow amidst the dramatic pine forest backdrop.
Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient
With a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact, this holiday home exemplifies smart design interventions. From its eco-friendly materials to its small footprint, every aspect of the project is carefully considered, resulting in a retreat that seamlessly merges with nature while offering unparalleled interior and architectural quality.
In essence, the Holiday Home at Diyathalawa by Damith Premathilake Architects is more than just a dwelling—it’s a harmonious integration of architecture and nature, offering a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life.
