Hospitality . Residential . Commercial

Warehouse complex in Kelaniya - Proposed

Office for Groundworth Partners . Completed

The Box House.

2017

tangalle  .  hospitality

Completed

Nestled in an acre of Satinwood Trees, this villa is constructed almost entirely by the adaptive reuse of discarded shipping containers. This 2080 sqft villa comprises 5 Bedrooms and 5 open to sky bathrooms entirely housed within 5 containers, with separate living area tying the spaces together.

Conceptualised after the traditional Asian house, albeit the non-conventional construction method, the living spaces are built surrounding a central courtyard, which cools and ventilates the living and dining spaces, and truly invites the outdoors in.

The box house shipping container villa Adaptive reuse Sri Lanka award winning architecture sustainability

The very limited use of cement, (one of the biggest contributors of Carbon dioxide to climate change) meant near zero emissions. Further, the house reuses approximately 17,500kg of steel, saving time, and using less than 10% of new resources. At the end of its lifespan, the steel can be recycled again. The project was unable to benefit from solar power to produce electricity without reducing the heavy tree cover, so instead chose to use it to minimize heat gain using the shade from the satinwood trees. However, it does produce solar powered hot water, maximizes natural daylight and ventilation, and conserves up to 20% water with efficient fittings.

The Factory House.

pelawatte  .  private residence

2021

Completed

The 5,100 sq ft structure was originally constructed as a tea packing facility and was later adapted for the production of children’s toys, using small, hand-operated machinery. After years of abandonment, the building was listed as being of no value at the time of the land sale, with the assumption that any future owner would demolish it entirely. Despite this, the existing structure was found to be fundamentally sound, presenting an opportunity to reconsider its potential rather than erase its industrial past.

While adaptive reuse often demands extensive structural intervention, this project was approached with restraint and respect for the original fabric. No alterations were made to the primary structure, aside from the removal of a small, unnecessary portion of slab. Internal changes were limited to selective additions and demolitions of walls to accommodate more appropriate residential spaces. The transformation into a home required entirely new doors, windows, and finishes, while a retained section of exposed old wall at the entrance was clad with a thin stone slate to evoke the character of a stone wall and elevate the exterior presence. The remainder of the site, previously occupied by mounted machinery, was cleared and reimagined as a garden, completing the transition from an industrial facility to a domestic setting.

Lake Road House.

pelawatte  .  private residence

2026

In Construction

This 4,000 sq ft residence is organized around a split-level floor plan that responds directly to the site’s naturally steep gradient, allowing the building to step gently across the terrain rather than impose itself upon it. By working with the existing topography, the design minimizes excessive cut and fill while creating a dynamic sequence of interconnected levels that enhance spatial variety and visual connection throughout the home.

Internal courtyards and landscaped gardens are carefully integrated into the plan to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation, ensuring that all primary spaces remain well lit and naturally cooled throughout the day. These outdoor rooms are not treated as secondary elements, but as integral components of the living environment, deliberately blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. The result is a house that feels open, breathable, and closely attuned to its surrounding landscape, with architecture and nature operating as a continuous whole.

The Riv.

riverston  .  hospitality

2023

Completed

The Riv is a 1560sqft, 3 bedroom holiday rental villa in Riverston, Sri Lanka. Its design was in response to the area's harsh climate of intense sun, cold nights, and extreme winds. Constructed almost entirely of discarded shipping containers, the design fragments the mass into three staggered blocks aligned with the wind path minimizing resistance, while framing surrounding mountain views. Locally sourced stone and pinewood, minimal use of cement, and solar power define its low-impact approach. The structure is 95% reused steel, and the masonry work was built by the local community using traditional techniques. The design aims at redefining what luxury travel could look like: with adaptive reuse, local materials and community effort.

Every window is carefully placed to frame a different view, and the rapidly changing landscape is one that you can watch tirelessly for hours while enjoying a cup of hot tea on the bay window seat, or without ever leaving your bed. We even put in a glass roof so you can enjoy the sight of the milky way right from the living room on a clear night. What better way to be completely immersed in the beauty that unfolds around you, than from a villa that was designed for exactly that?

Villa in Wilpattu

2026

wilpattu  .  hospitality

In Construction

A four-bedroom property set beside a lake-bund in Wilpattu, this villa is designed to feel deeply connected to its landscape. Spanning about 7,000 sq.ft over two floors, the spaces flow between lobby, lounge, dining and service areas while always keeping views toward the water and the surrounding trees. The main lounge gently hovers over a water body, allowing guests to sit almost within the landscape surrounded by reflections, breezes and sounds from nature.

The building carefully works around the existing tree canopies, using their shade and filtered light to cool and soften the interiors. With wildlife all around, materials, openings and pathways are planned to be respectful and low-impact, creating a quiet, resort-like retreat that remains closely tied to its natural setting.

Beach House

2026

weligama  .  private villa

On going

A two-bedroom luxury beach residence designed for the coastal zone of Weligama, the project optimizes spatial efficiency on a 6-perch site. The plan is organized across two levels (approx. 500 sq.ft per floor), with compact footprints engineered to maximize usability and views. The ground floor accommodates an open living–dining zone that extends visually and physically to the garden and beach, enabling continuous interior–exterior flow. The upper level integrates the bedrooms with an open terrace, orientated to capture prevailing sea breezes and frame long-range ocean views. Materials and openings are planned for durability, ventilation, and coastal comfort — delivering compact yet high-end living within a restrained footprint.

Villa in Udawalawe

Udawalawe .  hospitality

Propsal

Inspired by the rich textures of earth, soil, and clay, this boutique villa in Udawalawe celebrates nature and traditional village life. The design centers on terracotta, local crafts, and natural materials, blending organically with the surrounding landscape to create a seamless connection between architecture and wilderness.

The existing main building is being renovated to house two bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, service block, and pantry, while four standalone premium villas are arranged around a large, organic-shaped pool that serves as the heart of the site, linking all buildings together. Designed with sustainable tourism in mind, the project promotes eco-conscious practices and highlights the simplicity and beauty of rural living, offering guests an authentic, immersive experience. It provides a serene luxury retreat where visitors can reconnect with nature and embrace the tranquility of Udawalawe.

Warehouse Complex

kelaniya  .  commercial

Proposal

This warehousing complex — totaling approximately 123,000 sq.ft — was designed to balance modern architectural expression with highly functional storage and logistics needs. The development consists of two large warehouses with office blocks integrated into the building envelopes, creating articulated façades and bringing light, gardens, and greenery directly into the work environment.

The offices overlook internal planted courtyards, promoting comfort, visibility, and wellbeing for staff while maintaining efficient operational flow. A strategically positioned weighbridge forms a key part of the logistics system, ensuring smooth vehicle movement, tracking, and accuracy in daily operations.

Where industrial efficiency is often purely utilitarian, this project introduces thoughtful design, landscape integration, and practical planning — demonstrating how modern architecture can elevate everyday warehousing and logistics infrastructure.

Modern warehouse building with loading docks and trucks parked outside.

A conceptual rendering of a warehouse complex with multiple storage units labeled A1, A2, and B3. Trucks are parked outside the units, and the area is landscaped with small plants and trees. The complex has large white buildings with black framing, a

A modern architectural building complex with two large, angular black and white buildings, landscaped with trees, shrubs, and parked cars in front, and a gated entrance in the center. The sign reads "WILSON."

Modern building entrance with parking lot, cars, trucks, plants, and trees in a landscaped outdoor space.

Rendering of a modern building with a large sign that reads 'WILSON' in front, surrounded by greenery and parked cars.

Modern warehouse exterior with trees and a parked black truck under a partly cloudy sky.

Villa by the lake

Proposal

didduwa  .  private villa

Gracefully situated upon a gentle slope overlooking the tranquil lake, this villa is a fusion of artistry and architecture. Its design embraces the natural topography, allowing the structure to organically harmonize with the land it rests upon. The sensitive design embodies a profound respect for the environment, seamlessly integrating the indoors with the outdoors.
Large, strategically placed windows and open spaces dissolve the boundaries between the villa's interior and the breathtaking lake views.

Modern two-story house with a large balcony, glass walls, and a swimming pool, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

A large modern house sits atop a hill surrounded by lush tropical trees and plants, overlooking a river with a small dock and a boat in the water. The sky is mostly clear with some clouds and a few birds flying.

Modern house elevated on stilts with large wooden roof and glass walls, surrounded by lush greenery, trees, and a well-maintained lawn, under a clear sky.

Nature seamlessly intertwines with the structure, boasting gardens both indoors and outdoors. The result? A facility that blurs the lines between natural and built environments, fostering a sense of unity.

Embracing the ethos of a contemporary office, this complex ensures a conducive work environment, promoting collaboration and productivity. Moreover, sustainability takes center stage with eco-conscious material choices and renewable energy utilization. This complex isn't merely a storage facility; it's a testament to thoughtful architecture, sustainable practices, and a holistic appreciation for our surroundings. Join us in exploring a warehouse complex where innovation meets conscientious design.

Villa Vaddukoddai.

jaffna  .  private villa

Proposal

In the heart of the mesmerizing Jaffna region, a sanctuary of architectural elegance and cultural resonance emerges, seamlessly merging the rich heritage of Jaffna with contemporary architectural aesthetics. This harmonious abode effortlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting the natural beauty of the surrounding paddy fields into its design.

Every corner of this dwelling is a testament to meticulous attention to detail, reflecting a reverence for the traditional craftsmanship of Jaffna.

A modern house with a pool in the backyard, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.