Kaya Holiday Retreat

Set amid the pine forests of Diyathalawa, Sri Lanka, Kaya Holiday Retreat is a compact hospitality escape shaped by adaptive reuse, reclaimed materials and passive environmental strategies. Designed by Damith Premathilake Architects, the retreat occupies a 20-perch cliffside site where the cool upcountry climate and surrounding forest become integral to the architectural experience. The project evolved incrementally, beginning with the transformation of an existing caretaker’s house into the principal chalet. Two additional guest chalets were subsequently introduced on higher ground, positioned to capture expansive views across the pine forest. At the centre of the property, a glass greenhouse acts as the social heart of the retreat, bringing together an indoor lounge, alfresco dining and endemic planting within a transparent enclosure overlooking the landscape. Sustainability is embedded into both the design process and material palette. Rather than replacing the existing structure, the adaptive reuse of the caretaker’s quarters significantly reduces the carbon impact associated with new construction. Reclaimed timber palette boxes form a defining element of the retreat, lending the interiors a tactile, weathered quality. Steel, glass and rubble complement the timber, creating a balance between lightweight additions and the solidity of the original structure. The guest chalets extend this material language while responding carefully to the site's climate. Compact planning reduces the volume requiring thermal conditioning, while timber’s relatively low thermal diffusivity helps retain heat for longer periods. Site-specific environmental analysis informed passive heating and ventilation strategies aimed at maintaining thermal comfort throughout the year.