About
Small
Boutique
Nature
Stay
River Pavilion is a small boutique nature stay. Located close to the tropical rainforests preserves of Kithulgala, in Sri Lanka’s rainforest zone, a rich repository of endemic flora and fauna. This is a retreat space designed for a Colombo based couple to get away from their busy city lives to spend time amidst nature besides the scenic Kelani river.
The project comprises of 4 bedrooms, and a living cum dining pavilion that overlooks the rainforest & the beauty of the riverine landscape. Attached to this space is a supporting service quarters.
The concept
Primordial to the design was to respect the sensitive natural environment, and to simply create a verandah with a view. Located by the river bank, on a very steep terrain, and in a remote location.
It was difficult to obtain contractors or sophisticated methods of construction. These challenges determined the tectonics and the architectural language of the project & method of construction.
As it was difficult to do in-situ construction, hence the idea of salvaging materials, and there for the use of 4 salvaged shipping containers. This idea of simplicity & re-use, and connection with the environment was at the core of this project. The building is a pavilion with a lean-to roof, spanned over two salvaged shipping containers. The remaining two containers form the service space.