Wellness Resort at Habarana

Located in Habarana, Sri Lanka, in the proximal beauty to the majestic Landscapes of Sigiriya and at the edge of the bio diverse Habarana Lake on a 4.6 acre site. The site had scrub forest and edged by a stream, this property is a 8 room boutique hotel with additional 2 luxury villas and offers panoramic paddy views from each of the rooms. The property has been conceptualized as a space for wellness, for the restoration of the mind, body and soul. The design draws from the quiet beauty of the monastic landscapes of the region. A central meditative raised pathway, which is a key feature of the design mediates the landscape weaving through the existing trees and acting as a spine or journey that connects the reception /lounge, the fine dining restaurant, spa and ending with a circular space for meditation under the canopies of the existing trees.A series of water harvesting ponds have built around the existing vegetation creating a fluid reflective edge to the public spaces. The material palette and crafted brick finishes are derived from the language of the ruins in the region. The fine dining restaurant appears like a floating lantern, the gable roof extending beyond the grid into the water, melding the grid with the water, acting as a wide eave against the monsoonal rains. The public building reception, fine dining have been conceptualized as light pavilions, passively ventilated connecting the guest with the views of water, paddy and experience of the birds.