Kahanda Kanda :

Tropical design and architecture

Ganga Illeperuma

[Architect: Bruce Fell Smith]

Among the many hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka a few are highly appreciated for their focusing on the value of Sri Lanka style and architecture. Surrounded by a large tea estate, Kahandakanda hotel is located 9 km from Galle, in Habaraduwa which is also famous for its unique architecture.

Black and white! These thematic colours keep the visitors fresh and relaxed. The hotel comprises a series of simple free-standing five pavilions set around a swimming pool along the saffron wall. The wall provides the necessary privacy between the individual sleeping pavilions, whilst allowing coherence between them.

The pavilions are built around different themes. ‘Peacock’ is the largest pavilion which is located near the entrance. ‘Tamarind’ and ‘Mango Tree’ pavilions have same layout but are in different decor. The ‘Garden’ and ‘Tea’ pavilions are suitable for the family because they are located in a similar structure.

This hotel in natural surrounding was started in 2006. Their key word to maintain a restful abode for a weary tourist. ‘To keep guests relaxed and hazzle-free children below 12 years are not allowed. The hotel is surrounded by the 7 acres tea estate employing many tea pluckers from the neighbouring villages.

Through this tea-estate-surrounding and green ambiance helps the marketing strategy entice guests to this hotel. We don’t have much revenue from this estate, but it helps in other ways,’ said the owner of the boutique hotel George Cooper from England.

Inside all pavilions we have many ornaments which come from England. In cupboards they have tea and dinner sets which give a homely feeling. George Cooper loves Thai food because according to him is very clean and healthy. Kahandakanda hotel is known for its different types of Thai food.

The main characteristic in the architecture of Kahandakanda is a Louis Baraggan-like 80 metre saffron coloured wall that runs along the length of the site and acts as a divider between views across the tea and jungle and Koggala lake in the distance.

Glass opening in the wall frame provides views on both sides. Most of the movement within the complex is along or across the wall. The large trees on the site help guests enjoy a sense of calm. The main area consists of a large living pavilion and a dining pavilion at one end, and swimming pool and terrace with a vine-covered patio at the other. In addition, two large reflecting pools flank the walkway to the living area.

The living room is partially enclosed with walls and grid-patterned window openings that allow air to enter and circulate. The dining room, on the other hand, is totally open to the surrounding garden providing views beyond the edge of the terrace.

Each of the sleeping pavilions is also open to the outside, with spectacular views into the distance. All are constructed of the simple palette of materials inspired by the local architecture comprising plaster walls, polished cement floors, timber plank ceilings and timber framework with half-round terracotta tiles.

The simple orthogonal geometry of the pavilions, along with the large expanses of water, creates the type of serenity associated with a local monastic complex. Mirroring the style of the interior designer owner, the decor throughout the resort stands out for its ethnic luxury and panache. The brilliant orange of the outside wall provides the most sticking colour contrast to the predominantly black and white theme.

Reference: Sri Lanka Style by Channa Daswatte