Architectural Articles

Architecture inspired by life

“Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves” - Julia Morgan.

It has been said that Architecture is a visual art that brings life to buildings. Creating inspiring designs through his passion for art and life is Architect Suchith Mohotti.

I met Architect Suchith Mohotti at his office at No. 63, Pamankada Road. Booming with exuberance, his simplicity, openness and charming character instantly puts you at ease.

Suchith is an Associate Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and formed his company, Suchith Mohotti Associates (Pvt ) Ltd., way back in 1987 right after finishing his degree. He has an Honours degree in Bachelor of Science in Built Environment and a Master of Science in Architecture from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He also has a Master of Architecture from Finland.

The Company, Suchith Mohotti Associates (Pvt) Ltd., provides multidisciplinary professional personalised consultancy services in Architecture, Engineering and Project Management for all types of building projects in collaboration with specialised local and foreign consultancy firms. The company provides total solutions to build environmental requirements. “We do everything from A- Z.” reiterated Suchith.

Being one of the pioneer firms in Sri Lanka to be facilitated with a computerised environment back in the 80’s, they has received many accolades for their contribution towards Architecture in

Sri Lanka and is also fully equipped with a workforce consisting of highly qualified and experienced Architects, Engineers and Consultants to ensure quality, efficiency in design, cost and time. The firm strongly believes in understanding the needs and maintaining a cordial relationship with all their clients and being true to their philosophy, ‘Client the ultimate winner at the end.’

The Company first built up a reputation in handling houses and small scale commercial projects. After almost 23 years in the field, their clientele now range from hi-end large corporate and commercial institutions, star class hotels, religious and cultural institutions to home owners and government institutions here and abroad. One of their very first commercial projects was the Sumathi Court which was recently renovated in keeping with the dynamic quality of the previous design. The National Panasonic building, Orit Apparels – Seethawaka, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology campus in Malabe, the Landmark and Soft Logic building, Insurance Corporation, Hotel Sigiriya, Amaya Hills, Kelsey homes and Sambodhi temple are just some of Suchith Mohotti Associates, Architectural creations.

No project or design is a challenge for Suchith and his team, as he believes that an Architects job is to creatively design to fit according to the climate, culture, client and budget. Most of his designs do not have a specific style or design but is created according to the specific requirements of the client. The inspirations for his architectural designs are drawn from everyday life. To him every design is unique and specialised and becomes eco friendly and quality assured when it is built according to stringent building standards and specifications. His advice to home owners and young architects is, start the design with simplicity in mind.

Weaving the fabric of life

Next time look closely at the chair you sit on at work, the arm chair or sofa set you relax at home or the seats at your favourite bank. They could be made from the finest interior and outdoor furnishing fabrics which are imported from ATEJA, in Indonesia. The leading importers of the interior and outdoor furnishing fabrics, H.S.Trading Company Ltd is situated on 144A, Galle Road, Dehiwala. The company started out as a small outlet related to the Nawala Cushion works in 1990 and then expanded to Dehiwela in 1991, in 2001 the existing showroom in Dehiwela was refurbished to a plush state of the art showroom. In 2004, a new showroom was also opened in Nawala. H. S Trading Company Ltd., specialise in providing the finest quality home upholstery for sofas and dining sets, industrial fabric for office interiors, partitions and heavy duty office chairs, cushioning and PVC ( a type of artificial leather used for sofas). “We have nearly 100 colours and designs for home furnishing fabrics and also about 80 different colours for office interiors according to market requirements.” said Ms. Jinali Hettiarachchi, General Manager of H.S Trading Company Ltd., The outdoor and water repellent fabric which were launched about two months ago are most commonly used for outdoor furnishing in homes, hotels and other institutions. These fabrics are also sun proof and environmentally friendly. Being the leading interior furnishing supplier in Sri Lanka is not always an easy task. “We always assure stringent quality standards and make sure that the showroom never runs short of stocks. You can always expect to find the same colour and design even if a small part wears away, tears or discolours. We can quickly replace it. At any given time, we make sure that we stock at least 300 metres of the fast moving colours.” she further stated. The design which is used most frequently for office furnishings in Sri Lanka is the ‘Alabama’ design, which is 100% Polyacrylic, is the most expensive yarn in the field of textile.

Ms. Hettiarachchi cautioned that other interior fabric suppliers supply the same design into the market claiming it to be the Alabama design, but on close inspection, it can be proved to be a fake replica of the original, which does not meet stringent quality standards. “The ‘Alabama’ design fabric supplied by H.S Trading Company Ltd., is quality assured, durable and does not fade or become threadbare.” She further stated. Other designs that are available for office interiors are New Scotland, Forkland, Georgia, Dayton Lisburn and Torino. Speaking on the colour trends of today, she noted that while many use bright and contrasting colours such as maroon, orange etc., others still use light colours. When choosing the best quality interior or outdoor furnishing fabrics, make sure to check the composition of the fabric, weight, colour fastness to light and rubbing, abrasion resistance and flammability. “It is essential to check whether the genuineness of the fabric and design which was initially chosen is being utilised.” she also said. In order to maintain the quality and durability of these fabrics it is essential to regularly vacuum. H. S Trading Company Ltd., clientele vary from interior decorators, architects to others in the building construction field. Furniture manufacturers such as, Don Carolis, Craft supplies, Masterpieces, Royal Furnishers, E.H Cooray, Furniture plus, Singer and Arpico Interiors use their furnishing and office interior fabric to adorn their sofas, office furniture, partitions and chairs. Most of the leading hotels, private banking and government institutions’ have also been furnished by the Company. They also supply material to some of the leading hotels in Maldives. Due to the growing demand of increasing customers, Ms. Hettiarachchi, speaking on future plans of H. S Trading Company Ltd., mentioned that they have plans to expand their showroom to Kandy as well. For more information on furnishing and office interior fabrics contact H.S Trading Company Ltd., at their Nawala Branch or Head office Branch on +94 11 2732613-4 / +94 11 2724628-9 or email hstcl@sltnet.lk , hstra@sltnet.lk

Synthesis of design, art and life

In a field where many take Architecture as a career and hobby, a few of his calibre make it a passion, live it and manage to change the face of it. He is Patrick Elmo Julian De Silva or Elmo, as he is fondly known among the crème – de la crème of Architects.

He is an amazing Architect, robust Rotarian, splendid swimmer, teacher, writer and traveller, with a house by the lake. He also has a passion for all things fine, arty and tasteful. Booming with a vibrant personality, he instils a sense of inspiration to all who meet him.

Elmo De Silva is a Fellow of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and also held the post of President of the Institute of Architects in the year 1993 and 1995. He has a Diploma in Architecture and a Diploma in Town Planning from London. He is one of the pioneer founder members of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in Sri Lanka and served as Director of the UDA for a period of 8 years. He is also a prestigious Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute of London and a Fellow of the Institute of Town Planners of Sri Lanka. Elmo and his equally talented partner and wife, Yvette Kahawita, the two creative brains behind the business, formed their architectural practice in 1978. The practice was joined by Architect Nilesh De Silva, their son, around 5 years ago. Nilesh graduated in Architecture in the UK and has worked in Singapore and the UK. He is now a Director of the practice. Since its’ inception, the company has been instrumental in providing multidisciplinary professional services ranging from architectural, civil, structural and mechanical engineering to landscaping, interior designing and project management services. The firm places a strong emphasis on excellence of design and detailing, professional integrity and personal commitment to clients. “We guide the clients through every step of the architectural process from drawing the initial sketches, project management services to the final building process to everything in between such as the finishes, colours, fittings and accessories. We make sure that the client agrees on the basis for the design,” Elmo De Silva pointed out. Furthermore the company has been registered with ICTAD, ensuring a high standard of service and professionalism for every client. The company believes that total designs can be achieved through vigorous and creative exploration. Thus the practice emphasizes on exploring ideas and material. Elmo De Silva believes that all great buildings are designed with the climate, availability of raw materials and the openness of spaces, in mind. For them, the 3 most critical factors to ensure, when a building project is undertaken is efficient project management services, time, cost and quality of work. To achieve this objective, the firm operates in a highly computerised environment and has adopted an international approach in staff recruitment and as well as an association with foreign consultants. Their team of professionally qualified ‘in-house’ and consultant Architects, Engineers, Landscapers, Interior Designers and Quantity Surveyors have achieved the highest professional standards and are dedicated to achieving the right solution for every client. After being 30 years in the field of Architecture, the company has built strong relationships with their clientele, who range from residential, industrial, medical, educational, government and non-governmental organisations and commercial to religious institutions here and abroad. Some of their architectural designs include, The Ceylinco Seylan Towers, many cricket stadiums such as the Galle International Cricket Stadium and the media building for it, banks such as Commercial and ABN – AMRO, The Red Cross Offices Island-wide, Australian High Commission in Colombo, Hilton Hotel and the famous Basilica in Tewatte. Current projects include the luxury resort development in Weligama and branch offices for The National Savings Bank and the orphanages for Mercy Lanka. The have also been involved in the planning of townships and possess the expertise to undertake medium and large urban planning schemes. The firm has won many accolades and awards for their outstanding contribution to the field of Architecture. Some of their awards include the award for the National Performing Arts Centre for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the ICTAD Nationwide award for the Media Centre for Worldview Global Media (Pvt) Ltd. To Elmo De Silva, design is a synthesis of Architecture and all great designs and styles are inspired from everyday life, from things you read and see. “Teach us to design“ to a question posed by the Architectural students, he says, “all the books in the world will not teach you to design.” His advice to young Architects out there is “get involved in your work, don’t be remote controlled and always be mindful of your professional integrity. He believes that the future of Architecture in Sri Lanka will be environmentally friendly and will lean towards using indigenous local materials for building.

A fresh new Perspective

Every once in a way, a new perspective adds value to an old concept. Architect Menaka Mangalanatha’s fresh new ideas and inspiring creations have given a whole new meaning to the word Architecture.

Architect Menaka Mangalanatha had his basic education at Ananda College and is an Associate Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. Having commenced his career at (SMA) PL, he obtained an Honours degree in Bachelor of Science in Built Environment and a Master of Science in Architecture from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He also completed a course of study in Community Housing Development in Sweden.

His practice provides professional personalised consultancy services in Interior, landscaping, urban design, Architecture and Project Management for all types of building projects to suit all types of client aspirations. “The company provides total solutions,” reiterated Mangalanatha.

Mangalanatha and his team of professionals believe in giving the client what they want in their version. Although the projects he has completed has characteristics and features unique to each, the core architectural values, environmental and social values that underpin have remained constant. He lays emphasis on nature, climate and open spaces. Mangalanatha strives to achieve excellence by designing eco friendly designs. He specialises in the interplay of simple, pure forms that create vivid, subtle, spatial qualities. His approach to architectural design combines aesthetics with practicalities of design; energy and efficiency, low construction and maintenance costs. His architectural concepts also revolve around light, space and in their infusion. Speaking on the colour trends of today, he said that he prefers to use earthy colours that blend with nature.

Although he started out his practice in 2004, He has a wealth of experience and exposure to handle project of any magnitude. His architectural mark can be seen on many commercial buildings, hotels, factories, religious buildings and sophisticated homes. Some specific projects completed include the Richy tea factory, Thilakma City, luxury apartment blocks and chic modern residencies and commercial buildings, hotels such as the Muthumini Resort and Dutch Hotel. The Regent International, Ayurvedic hospital and other religious and commercial buildings can also be commended.

He believes that the architecture of tomorrow in Sri Lanka will be bent towards using traditional indigenous materials and maintain a certain Sri Lankan identity.

His advice to young architects starting out is, do something new and innovative and use your inherent creative abilities.

Spaces to dream in

All great Architecture is the transformation of spaces into something more artistic and meaningful. One such Architect who designs with spaces in mind is Architect Palinda Kannangara

Architect Palinda Kannangara had his basic education at Ananda College, Colombo. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Colombo and then later got his Charter in 2004 as an Associate Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects in Sri Lanka.

He started out his career with some of the leading Architects in the trade and then later when onto setting up his own office. Since its inception his practice provides professional personalized consultancy services in Interior designing and landscaping, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Engineering and Project Management Services for all types of building projects to suit all types of client needs.

Palinda and his team of professionals believe in recreating spaces to transform ordinary spaces into something more beautiful and artistic. “By using spaces and lines in its undisturbed and pure form you create a practical minimalistic design,” said Palinda. Palinda is inspired by all contemporary and tropical Architecture. We love playing with light, material shapes to transform client’s dreams into reality and exceed their expectations,” further stated Palinda. As an Architect he sees beauty in simplicity against complexities. He especially specialises in the interplay of simple, pure forms that create vivid, subtle, spatial qualities.

Although he started out his practice a few years ago, he has a wealth of experience and exposure to handle project of any magnitude. His architectural mark can be seen on many commercial buildings such as the David Peirs Motor Company showroom at Rathnapura and HP showroom, industrial buildings such as the Kadawala power house and the V S Hydro Factory Complex at Avissawella. His style in designing bungalows and residential buildings is also commendable.

For his contribution to Architecture, he was awarded the commendation prize for the Geoffery Bawa award for Excellence in Architecture in the year 2008 and the award of Excellence from the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects in 2009 for the Rathnayaka House at Makola. He was awarded Architect of the Year for his Avissawella Bungalow at Thalduwa, Avissawella, at the 19th Architect of the year awards. At the SLIA design Award 2010, he received the award of merit under the commercial category and at the SLIA Design award 2011, he received the merit award for the Subasinghe House at Kiribathgoda.

The Estate Bungalow in Kadawala by Palinda Kannangara, his winning design for the Geoffrey Bawa award is a hideout designed, in essence, to allow its owners to live amidst nature and enjoy it to the fullest. It is designed in such a way that all the rooms in the house are slightly angled to optimise the views of the forest across.

Most of his design are eco friendly and seem to incorporate the creative use of nature as seen in the Hettiarachchi Residence, where the cement tiles inside the house seem to be a continuation of the green grass outside. “The owners of this house had 40 perches and wanted to extend it to meet the growing family demands,” said Palinda.

Special features of another residential project, The Subasinghe House (SLIA Design award 2011), are the open living with a floating slab merging the interior and the two court yards giving it a serene ambiance. The timber screen in the house controls the inside outside co-relation.

His advice to home owners when selecting an Architect is, choose your Architect carefully, an Architect’s job is highly specialized job and each have their own style which should fit in with your lifestyle and outlook on life as well.

To him the future of Architecture in Sri Lanka looks promising. He feels that many people now recognize the value of an Architect and are constantly in touch with new trends, enabling new and young Architects to create great Architecture in Sri Lanka.

Architecture with love from Spain

Enter from the arched door through the small porch into the terra cotta roofing shingles with tall double hung windows with patterned and smooth tile walls and floors all around you and make your way to the courtyard with carved stonework or cast ornaments and you instantly know that you walking through a home inspired by Spanish architecture.

The Spanish Colonial architecture refers to architecture carried out during any era in what is now modern-day Spain, and by Spanish architects worldwide. Spanish Colonial designs remain common in coastal vacation areas and tropical locations.

Due to its historical and geographical diversity, Spanish architecture is drawn from a host of influences. It's hard to know what to call each style. Spanish-inspired homes built in the first decade of the 20th century are usually described as Spanish Colonial Revival, suggesting that they borrowed ideas from early settlers. However, these homes might also be called Hispanic or Mediterranean. Because these homes often combine many different styles, some use the term Spanish Eclectic. Spanish Eclectic homes have, low pitched roofs, red roof tiles, little or no overhanging eaves, arches especially above doors, porch entries and main windows.

Like all colonial architecture, Spanish Colonial Architecture has a simple yet enduring charm.. These houses are practical and it is the asymmetry in these houses that is striking.

ExteriorThis particular style of architecture is generally one-story, Spanish Colonial villas or mansions often have two or three levels, along with some type of split-level inclusion. The floor plan is generally a large L-shape with plenty of landscaping.

Interior

The interior consists of the prodigious use of smooth plaster (stucco) wall and chimney finishes, low-pitched clay tiles, sheds, or flat roofs. Other characteristics typically include small porches or balconies, Roman or semi-circular arcades and fenestration and wood casement or tall and double–hung windows. Some Spanish inspired homes and buildings also have cross-gables side wings and parapets. Doorways leading to and from exterior courtyards are often arched with roofed porches that provide shaded pockets and a respite from the sun. The distinctive thick adobe walls and red-tiled roofs of these dwellings also make the home much cooler.

Courtyards and patios with tiled floors are used as places for people to relax and entertain. Courtyards also act as connecting areas, much like hallways, that keep the flow going from one portion of the house to the next. To keep the atmosphere cool and inviting, fountains and small ponds are often placed strategically in the centre of a courtyard.

You'll also find many intricate doors and doorways, tall, spacious windows, often with wrought-iron grills or bars and verandas on the upper floors that span the entire length of the house.

Finishes and furnishing

If you are interested in converting your home into a work of art with a touch of Spain, you could incorporate some of these great ideas.

Subtle touches of Spain and the Mediterranean can be achieved in your home by using a breezy colour palette, while authentic pillows and an artful tapestry add flavour to a fireplace. You could also play around with colours such as Moody reds and saffron yellow.

Integrate Spanish handicrafts and antiques or just use colours, finishes, furnishings and accessories that evoke Spanish style. Invest in focal point pieces of furniture that evoke Spanish themes. To carry the theme throughout, often decorative wrought iron trim and terracotta pots can be used in interior as well as exterior courtyards.

Accessorise by using a bold rug featuring an image from a Miro or Picasso. Spanish motifs such as bulls, roses, crosses and scrolls look perfect on textiles or furniture borders. Wrought ironcandle holders and simple white pillar candles can be used for classic Spanish elegance throughout the house.