Regional Projects: Anantara Peace Haven Resort + Residences

Sri Lanka is a destination with a rich history and culture, and the site for the Anantara Peace Haven Resort + Residences is one of pristine beauty and mesmerising views. The overall planning of the development was highly informed by the existing coconut plantation on the site and the potential for creating experiences that would frame the cliffs, beaches and views of the Indian Ocean.

The design team preserved much of the existing plantation and took advantage of the cliffs, natural lagoon and beaches. The architecture and interiors took inspiration from traditional colonial plantation architecture. Many of the public spaces including the arrival, lobby lounge and main food and beverage components are open-air, allowing the outdoors to seamlessly blend with the interiors.

The designers paid careful attention to how various buildings would impact the existing trees and tried to retain them wherever possible. This allowed the resort to have a mature landscape that paired nicely with the architecture and interiors, both of which were inspired by historic colonial architecture as well as quiet sophistication.

More than 80 per cent of materials for the construction of Anantara have been locally sourced. The use of natural local teak, handloomed cotton textile panels, etc., brings the essence of the place and the history of the location into the resort. The palette takes a more natural approach to create a timeless luxury befitting to the location. Accents of blue were inspired by the views of the Indian Ocean.

The details of the design evolved to the construction methods of local practices. Sri Lanka’s construction labour pool has a good understanding of the importance of detail and workmanship, which allowed for the design to be executed to the highest standards.

PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Anantara Peace Haven Resort + Residences
Location: Tangalle, Sri Lanka
Completion Date: December 2015 (soft opening); January 2017 (final completion with the opening of the Verele Beachfront Restaurant)
Building Height: Three storeys
Clients/Owners: Hemas Holdings; Minor Hotel Group
Design Consultant/Architect: Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo (WATG)
Architecture Firm: Mihindu Keerthirathne Associates
Principal Architect: Mihindu Keerthirathne Associates
Lighting Consultant: Bo Steiber Lighting Design
Landscape Architect: Element Design Studio
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: WPA Consultants; Optegy
Civil & Structural Engineer: Wickramsinghe & Associates
Interior Design Firm: Wimberly Interiors
Images/Photos: Anantara