Tag Archives: Thilina Liyanage

Nelumbo Restaurant Caters To Your Moods Throughout The Day With Lasting Serene Experiences

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Floating serenely on the water like a lotus in full bloom, Nelumbo is not just an architectural marvel, it’s a poetic fusion of nature and design, inviting guests into a dining experience like no other. This innovative floating restaurant takes inspiration from the grace of the lotus flower, seamlessly blending into its aquatic surroundings while offering a multi-level journey of culinary delights. As you step inside, you’re not merely entering a restaurant; you’re embarking on a serene, immersive experience that unites cutting-edge sustainability with nature’s quiet beauty.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The core of Nelumbo’s architectural brilliance lies in its commitment to sustainability. The primary structure is crafted from bamboo, a renewable material that reflects the restaurant’s dedication to environmentally conscious design. Bamboo’s natural strength and flexibility make it a perfect choice for this floating marvel, allowing for both durability and elegance.

A canvas roof crowns the building, mimicking the petals of a lotus in full bloom. The roof’s lightweight, weather-resistant properties ensure that the structure remains resilient against the elements, while its organic shape enhances the restaurant’s naturalistic aesthetic. At the heart of this unique structure, a glass dome serves as a skylight for the top-level coffee shop, evoking the sensation of dining in an open-air rooftop café. This thoughtful detail not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also ensures ample natural light during the day, creating a serene and open atmosphere.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Nelumbo’s design is how it appears to float effortlessly on water. Its reflection creates a stunning visual effect, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. This architectural illusion makes Nelumbo feel like a part of the aquatic environment, a gentle lotus flower resting on the water’s surface, enhancing the feeling of tranquility and connection with nature.

Nelumbo offers a multi-dimensional culinary experience across three distinct levels, each designed to cater to different moods and times of the day.

Level 1: The Main Restaurant (3000 sqft)
The first level is where the full-service dining experience takes place. With a spacious area of 3000 square feet (279 sqm), it comfortably accommodates up to 85 guests. The ambiance here is refined yet relaxed, perfect for everything from family dinners to special occasions. Large openings offer uninterrupted views of the water, allowing guests to dine in an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

Level 2: The Bar (2500 sqft)
As the sun sets, Nelumbo’s second level comes to life. The 2500-square-foot bar area is the perfect spot for evening cocktails, with a lively yet intimate atmosphere. It can host up to 70 people, making it an ideal place for socializing and unwinding. Whether it’s enjoying a classic drink or sampling creative, handcrafted cocktails, the bar is designed to be a hub for nightlife while still maintaining the restaurant’s tranquil ambiance.

Level 3: The Coffee Shop (1450 sqft)
The top level offers a more laid-back experience, ideal for daytime visitors seeking a calm, reflective space. The 1450-square-foot coffee shop, with seating for up to 40 people, provides a serene spot for enjoying freshly brewed coffee while taking in the surrounding beauty. The glass dome skylight overhead adds to the charm, creating the illusion of an open-air rooftop café, with natural light flooding the space.

As day turns to night, Nelumbo undergoes a mesmerizing transformation. The interior lighting illuminates the structure from within, casting a warm, inviting glow that reflects off the water’s surface. This glow enhances the lotus-like appearance of the restaurant, making it a luminous beacon in its waterfront setting. It’s particularly breathtaking at dusk, when the soft light contrasts with the deepening colors of the evening sky, creating a magical atmosphere that beckons diners from afar.

The design’s interplay with light and water is perhaps one of its most striking features. It creates a visual harmony that ties together the architecture, the natural surroundings, and the overall dining experience, making Nelumbo not only a place to eat but a destination that invites contemplation and admiration. Ultimately, Nelumbo offers more than just food and drink—it offers an unforgettable journey through nature, architecture, and gastronomy, all within the serene setting of a floating lotus on water.

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Experience Living In Nature By Blending Into It With This Luxurious Nature-Inspired Villa

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In the heart of the tropics, where the dense forest meets a serene lake, stands an architectural marvel that feels plucked from the pages of a fairytale – the Blue Water Lily Villa. This design, a testament to the brilliance of its creator, captures the essence of biomimicry, echoing the delicate beauty of a water lily while remaining entirely practical and constructible. The villa is a perfect blend of nature-inspired elegance and modern functionality.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The Blue Water Lily Villa is composed of two stunning two-story structures, both offering direct access to the lake, making it an idyllic retreat for nature lovers. These villas, seemingly floating on the water’s edge, draw immediate attention with their unique design, inspired by the layers of a blooming water lily. Just as the petals of a lily unfold, revealing intricate layers beneath, these villas are carefully nestled within an array of petal-like structures that rise gracefully from the landscape.

Upon entering the villa, the lower level reveals a welcoming space designed for communal living. The open-plan layout seamlessly integrates the living and dining areas, creating a spacious and airy environment. The kitchen, though modest, is thoughtfully designed to cater to essential needs, reinforcing the villa’s focus on simplicity and harmony with nature.

One of the most striking features of the lower level is the way the living and dining areas open up to a small, intimate pool. This pool offers a refreshing escape, with the tranquil lake providing a breathtaking backdrop. It’s a space where one can truly immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, taking in the soothing sounds of water and the gentle rustling of leaves.

Ascending the stairs leads to the villa’s upper level, where the bedroom awaits—a cozy sanctuary that exudes warmth and tranquility. The ambient lighting adds to the room’s intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind. From here, the space extends to outdoor cantilevered seating, offering an elevated perspective of the natural beauty surrounding the villa.

The outermost and lowest of the villa’s “petals” are constructed from metal frames covered in a sturdy fabric, giving them a soft, organic appearance. At night, the villa transforms as soft pink uplights cast a magical glow onto these fabric petals, bringing the entire structure to life, much like a water lily illuminated by the moonlight.

The upper villa’s structure is composed of prefabricated metal elements, which continue the theme of delicate, petal-like forms. These elements are designed to be thin and see-through, evoking the fragile beauty of a water lily’s petals. The primary structural components within the villa, likely made from locally sourced bamboo, further reinforce the villa’s connection to its environment. This choice of material not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also underscores the villa’s commitment to sustainability, making it a model of eco-friendly design.

The post Experience Living In Nature By Blending Into It With This Luxurious Nature-Inspired Villa first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Enchanting Overlap of Japanese and Balinese Architecture in a Woodland Villa

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Nestled amidst the lush woods of Bali, a symmetrical haven awaits those seeking solace and elegance. At first glance, it’s apparent that this villa is not just another architectural marvel; it’s a seamless blend of Japanese inspiration with a touch of Balinese flair, creating an atmosphere of understated grace and natural harmony. I find a lot of overlap between the two architectural styles.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The villa’s design draws inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture, evident in its distinctive Yosemune roofs. These exaggerated curves immediately capture the eye and evoke the essence of Japanese design principles overlapping with the Balinese. But what truly sets this villa apart is its ingenious incorporation of these elements into the tranquil landscape of Bali.

Wood is the cornerstone of Japanese architecture, chosen for its resilience in the face of earthquakes. Similarly, this villa embraces the warmth and versatility of wood, creating a space that not only withstands the test of time but also invites inhabitants to coexist harmoniously with nature. Every corner of the villa exudes a sense of tranquility, with natural materials seamlessly blending into the surrounding environment.

Perched on the slope of a mountain, the villa offers a journey of discovery from top to bottom. Upon entering from the top, guests are greeted by a central stairway leading to the heart of the villa. Here, an open kitchen and dining area await, seamlessly transitioning to a poolside oasis where one can indulge in a refreshing dip while savoring the beauty of the surroundings.

The bedrooms, situated on either side of the pool, offer a serene retreat with their cantilevered net seating—a Balinese interpretation of traditional balconies. Inside, wood and bamboo interiors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, inviting guests to unwind and rejuvenate.

Throughout the villa, a variety of seating areas are available, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. From day beds to sunken seating areas, there’s a spot for every mood and occasion, ensuring that guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the woods at any time of day.

At the lowest level, an open bath awaits, allowing guests to shower amidst the serenity of the woods—a truly immersive experience that reconnects them with nature. A distinctive element of every property in Bali!

Perhaps most importantly, the villa’s design prioritizes privacy, ensuring that every room and corner offers a sanctuary away from the outside world. Whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal al fresco, guests can relish in the seclusion and tranquility of their surroundings.

The post The Enchanting Overlap of Japanese and Balinese Architecture in a Woodland Villa first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Picture-Perfect Tropical Getaway Inside A Dolphin Shaped Retreat

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All of us have a phase in our lives when we just want to go on a picture-worthy holiday in the middle of the forest and just relax and take it all in, don’t we? This enchanting world of the Dolphin Villa is a dreamy retreat inspired by the graceful form of a dolphin, lodged by the side of a serene lake. Imagine a holiday where every corner is a photo opportunity, and relaxation takes center stage giving you the most immersive experience you could ask for.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The first and most attractive feature of the Dolphin Villa lies in its design, mirroring the graceful shape of a dolphin. The villa stands elevated on speculative bamboo, creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment. Accessible via a charming stairway leading to a deck, the villa invites guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest.

As you approach the villa, you’re greeted by a whimsical stairway leading to an elevated bamboo platform. The journey begins with an outdoor bathtub at the tail of the dolphin, setting the tone for a unique and refreshing experience. Climb up the stairs, and you’ll discover a cozy bedroom with a kitchen cleverly nestled beneath the main fin. The kitchen is equipped with all the essentials, making it convenient for you to whip up a quick snack or a delightful meal. But the real charm lies in the outdoor suspended deck with net seating—a thrilling spot for the adventurous souls who trust the magic of a suspended net.

The villa offers various seating options strategically placed ensuring that you can find the perfect spot to revel in the forest views and embrace the ambiance of forest living. From cozy corners to the suspended net seating, every detail is thoughtfully designed to enhance the overall experience. For those seeking a refreshing dip, a mini elevated pool adds an extra touch of luxury to the retreat.

The villa is intelligently designed with ample ventilation, it embraces the open-air concept with circular windows on the covered side ensuring a constant flow of fresh air. Picture-perfect moments are not in short supply, but the highlight of the property is the vertical nest-like spot providing an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the views of the lake. This spot is not just a seating area but a visual feast, allowing guests to capture memories against the stunning backdrop of the lake—an ideal addition to any memory album.

Whether you’re planning a vacation with a small group of friends or a couple in search of a romantic retreat, Dolphin Villa offers the perfect setting. From the innovative design inspired by a dolphin’s form to the variety of unique features and breathtaking views, this villa offers an unforgettable experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional getaways.

The post A Picture-Perfect Tropical Getaway Inside A Dolphin Shaped Retreat first appeared on Yanko Design.

Giant Turtle-shaped beach restaurant gives diners the epitome of nature-inspired and themed decor

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Nestled along the coastline, the Turtle Restaurant emerges as an architectural and artistic marvel, paying homage to the ocean’s most graceful creature—the sea turtle. Crafted entirely from bamboo, this sustainable and awe-inspiring structure seamlessly blends with the beach vibe, creating a unique and harmonious dining experience.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The entire restaurant is like a puzzle of smaller geometric fragments, meticulously joined together to resemble a giant turtle. Bamboo, chosen as the primary construction material, not only reflects the local availability of this resource but also highlights its eco-friendly nature. Known for its sturdiness and biodegradability, bamboo aligns perfectly with the vision of sustainability, offering both strength and natural aesthetics.

The main entrance, located at the back of the turtle, seamlessly connects to the forest, creating a pathway that intertwines with nature. Additionally, two side entries welcome guests directly from the beach, providing a smooth transition between the restaurant and its coastal surroundings.

The turtle’s shell serves as the main space, sheltering the restaurant and evoking a sense of awe. The central portion of the shell is open, serving as a skylight that bathes the interior in natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The shell extends into outdoor decks on the sides, offering patrons a complete outdoor experience and stunning views of the surrounding forest.

The bamboo arches play a dual role, serving as structural supports for the shell while also adding a touch of drama and privacy to different sections of the restaurant. Tilted arches on the sides create a perception of grandeur, enhancing the visual appeal and making the space appear larger than life.

To cater to varied preferences, the Turtle Restaurant offers three types of seating—lounge chairs, cane chairs, and regular cushioned wooden chairs. Guests can choose their preferred seating option based on comfort and the desired vibe, ensuring a personalized dining experience.

While the restaurant already boasts a captivating design, the addition of a stairway leading to the inside of the turtle’s head could offer a unique vantage point for patrons. This feature not only enhances the overall experience but also provides a photogenic spot for capturing the beauty of the beach from a different angle.

As the sun sets, the Turtle Restaurant transforms into a magical space with the help of recessed ground lights and pendant lights. The subtle illumination creates a warm and inviting ambiance, making it an ideal setting for a premium beach bar experience.

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Lotus Villa: A Tropical Paradise Blending Nature And Architecture

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Nestled in the heart of a tropical paradise, the Lotus Villa stands as a stunning testament to the harmonious relationship between nature and architecture. Inspired by the symbolic purity and calmness of the lotus flower, this design embodies beauty and enlightenment. Using advanced tools like SketchUp and Vray, the architect has crafted a masterpiece that seamlessly blends modern luxury with the organic elegance of nature.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The Lotus Villa comprises three main elements that contribute to its unique charm: a glass roof, a canvas, and steel frames. The glass roof floods the interior with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that mirrors the lotus’ emergence into the sun. The canvas, resembling the petals of the lotus, is supported by intricately designed steel frames that add strength and elegance to the overall structure.

Surrounded by lush greenery, the villa creates a striking contrast between the organic and the artificial. However, the thoughtful design ensures that the structure harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings. The translucency of the overlapping canvas allows ambient light to filter through creating a play of light and shadows that adds a touch of drama to the interior.

The steel frames have a detail resembling delicate threads, evoking the softness of the lotus, giving the impression that the villa is intricately woven together. This attention to detail not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a sense of unity with the natural inspiration. The villa’s unique design extends to the flooring, where recessed ground lights add to the ambiance, casting beautiful shadows on the ceiling and walls on both levels.

The Lotus Villa is a perfect sanctuary for those seeking a zen holiday or a meditation retreat. The use of natural materials like wood complements the tranquil vibe, creating an environment conducive to relaxation. The villa is designed for a nuclear family or a couple, featuring a bedroom on the top floor with an attached outdoor bath. The lower level houses a living room, dining area, and a pantry, seamlessly blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

The Lotus Villa stands as a testament to the possibilities when architecture draws inspiration from the natural world. Its unique design, combining the elegance of the lotus flower with modern luxury, creates a tropical paradise that is both visually stunning and functional. Whether as a retreat for meditation or a luxurious getaway, this villa offers an unparalleled experience where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors dissolve into a seamless blend of tropical and modern living.

The post Lotus Villa: A Tropical Paradise Blending Nature And Architecture first appeared on Yanko Design.