design et al are delighted to announce that WATG & Wimberly Interiors have been shortlisted for Hotel Over 200 Rooms Asia Pacific Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2016.
The vision of Peace Haven Resort at Tangalle Bay was to create an internationally respected tourist destination – a sanctuary where one can take refuge from the busy world and a hectic lifestyle. The intention was to focus on enhancing the hotel to accommodate the needs of local and international travellers in the area as well as developing the resort community in Tangalle.
Inspired by the Sri Lankan architecture, the pristine Tangalle coastline and the existing coconut plantation, buildings are designed in a traditional style with a contemporary flair. High pitch Sri Lankan roof forms, with their elegant colonial style columns and contemporary details, were used to create a luxurious resort destination. Most of the materials used in the design were locally sourced and many of the building methods were decided based on the local craftsman capabilities to ensure that the design was executed at the highest level of detail possible in this location. Use of natural local teak, hand-loomed cotton textile panels bring the essence of the place and the history of the location into the resort.
The use of local material and working with local artisans to create the furniture pieces ties the resort back to the place while also giving back to the community. It creates excitement upon arrival, where the spectacular site is slowly unveiled bit by bit as you arrive. This sense of discovery is carried throughout the design to make the entire experience more memorable. “We’ve sequenced the arrival in a way that you don’t see the ocean right away. We wanted to slowly unveil the site and create different memories and experiences that showcase the culture and hospitality of Sri Lankan people along with the awe-inspiring ocean views.” – David Moore, Senior Project Leader.