Tag Archives: Thilina Liyanage

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.

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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.

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Majestic Safari Deck: A Massive Tourist Attraction Inspired by the Beauty of Mountain Sheep

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With the kind of whimsical wonderment that’s reminiscent of Aladdin’s Cave, or the Castle of Greyskull, this absolutely stunning safari observation deck comes shaped like a sheep’s head emerging from the slope of a mountain. Designed by architect and biomimicry enthusiast Thilina Liyanage, the Safari Park Observation Deck is a proposed concept for a raised platform where tourists can observe the nature reserve from a safe vantage point. The observation deck comes with multiple platforms, including a spacious circular base, and a staircase that leads to the massive mountain sheep’s head, where people can get the most scenic view of the safari park ahead of them.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

Liyanage’s architectural style involves grandiose tributes to nature, featuring larger-than-life animals made from wood, bamboo, metal, and concrete. This observation deck is nothing short of a visual marvel, with its almost Mount Rushmore-like appeal. The massive sheep head stands out wonderfully against its green backdrop, and looks even more remarkable when viewed from the side against the sprawling sky.

Structurally, the sheep head uses a combination of metal girders for an underlying framework, and warped bamboo for the details. Most parts of the sheep head remain skeletal, barring the forehead and nose, which come clad in a way that provides shade for the people in the observation deck. The horns are the deck’s signature elements, as they curve beautifully to represent the elegance of nature.

Large elements like the horns are held up by cable trusses, keeping the structure upright and intact

The entire structure is a testament to the beauty of nature – something Liyanage tries to capture with all of his work. His past projects have come shaped like goldfish, antelopes, and even manta rays.

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Floating Lakeside Pod Lets Visitors Meditate to the Sound of Water and Nature

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You don’t need ASMR audio of waterfalls and babbling brooks when your yoga center is literally floating on a lake!

Say hello to the Lakeside Meditation Pod, an outdoor space designed by Sri-Lankan architect Thilina Liyanage, to allow yoga practitioners to meditate amidst nature. The pod showcases an almost egg-like shape, putting you in the womb of mother nature, with enough ornate decorations to really give the space a distinct aesthetic. Some would even compare it to a conch shell, which is known to have a high significance in Hindu tradition for its ability to generate the frequencies of the “Om” chant often associated with yoga and meditation.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The meditation pod sits on the edge of a lake, hovering above the water’s surface with enough open area to let people view their surroundings. To enter the pod, one needs to climb up a short flight of stairs that leads to the pod’s small floor, which can easily accommodate up to 5 people and one instructor.

The upper view of the pod shows its construction, using two halves that join together to form a vertical seam. Liyanage is known for his biophilic approach to design, with liberal use of natural materials, and the meditation pod falls well within the architect’s style guide. The meditation pod uses a combination of wood and composite paneling, with detailing on the roof to give the pod an almost Faberge egg-like appeal. There’s even an exit facing the lake, for people looking to take a dip after a refreshing yoga session!

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Fire Lily-shaped observation deck creates a beautiful nature-inspired platform in the wetlands

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Almost identically mimicking the Fire Lily (Gloriosa Lily) with its unique shape and upturned petals, Thilina Liyanage’s Wetland Observation Deck really makes nature larger-than-life. The deck, accessible via a flight of stairs, can accommodate small groups of up to 6-8 people, giving them enough space to mingle around and view the wetlands.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The Wetland Observatory Deck makes use of wood in Liyanage’s signature style. Sitting a cool 10 feet off the ground, the circular deck is made entirely from wood, as is the column it stands on. The decorative elements like the fire lily’s petals and sepals are made from bent sheets of wood too, using bamboo for its resilience to moisture as well as its ability to easily be curved into any shape. The petals that shroud the deck are true to form, perfectly imitating the real flower itself with its fire-like petals. Each petal is also colored red and yellow, as a tribute to the original flower, adding a vibrant touch to the deck. I’m not entirely certain whether having a vibrant observation deck is the best idea (given that camouflage is the key to any sort of wildlife observation), but this piece of estate does make for a great photo point and a sunrise/sunset viewing spot.

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Orchid-shaped villa is rare beautiful combination of nature-inspired architecture and luxurious living

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Orchids are some of the most famously precious plant species just for how specific their cultivation needs are. An orchid is easily 30-50 times more expensive than a rose, so it only made sense that Thilina Liyanage chose that flower as inspiration for his luxury villa design, located somewhere on the banks of a rocky creek. The Orchid Villa is a rather eye-catching jewel emerging out of the wilderness. The luxury holiday home sits away from civilization, providing its residents with the perfect getaway residence for a weekend or two. The multi-level residence comes with living quarters on the lower floor, a private pool on the terrace, and a cantilever hammock that hangs right above an adjoining lake, giving you an incredible lounging spot to watch the sunsets.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The Orchid Villa falls perfectly into Liyanage’s nature-inspired style, but one could argue that this is perhaps one of his most beautiful pieces yet, with an aesthetic that almost perfectly balances elegance and visual commitment with spatial practicality. Sounds like a mouthful? Let me explain myself…

With the Orchid Villa, Liyanage’s done a remarkable job of fitting the proportions of a villa into the orchid shape without really any sort of compromise. The building still looks remarkably like its inspiration, with petals forming the walls and the facade on the side, and one lilting petal on the front that not only exposes the interiors, but also provides the perfect base for the hammock deck that emerges from the living quarters. It’s a beautiful building that looks exactly like the flower and serves almost perfectly as a luxury villa too.

Like almost all of Liyanage’s creations, the villa is realized using bent pieces of bamboo, assembled together to form the orchid shape. The bamboo is then clad with a translucent fabric that lets you see each individual bamboo column, almost looking like the veins in the petals of the flower. A clever use of lights allows the flower to change colors too, bringing a unique aesthetic to the overall architecture, and making it look just as beautiful at night as it looks during the day!

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Picturesque bamboo glamping villa looks like a large graceful bird in flight

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“Birdie” by Thilina Liyanage assumes the shape of a massive bird with wings outstretched. The Sri Lanka-based artist has really harnessed the ability to use bamboo and wood to bring his larger-than-life nature-inspired creations to fruition. Birdie definitely seems like one of his magnum opuses.

Birdie finds itself in the middle of a forest, nestled among trees just like a real bird. This one, on the other hand, is made from wood, and can house as many as a family of 3 rather comfortably. The glamping villa sits on a pair of stilts, giving the occupants a stellar elevated view of the forest around it. The villa comes with two levels, the one on top being the bedroom (with an attached balcony), while the one below housing a living space and toilet along with a cantilever hammock to laze around on.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

Relying on bamboo, wood, and tiles to fashion its unique exterior, the Birdie villa looks like a swan just about to go airborne. It helps that the entire house is on stilts, playing in with the illusion of the bird being in the air rather than on land. The bird’s chest and its wingspan almost become the entire villa’s interior space, offering enough room for a couple or family of three. The bird’s tail doubles as a balcony with ample space for recreation, and the bedroom is pretty spacious, making for a comfortable extended weekend surrounded by nature. For kids looking for a little entertainment in the woods, the Birdie even comes with a cantilever hammock off the first floor. The hammock is big enough for 3 people, making for a great lounging place on lazy days.

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Absolutely surreal Yoga and Wellness Retreat is designed to look like a dancing peacock

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A retreat designed to look so beautiful, it’ll instantly melt your stress away.

Designed by Thilina Liyanage, this Yoga & Wellness Retreat concept takes the shape of a peacock mid-dance, with its plumage spread out in a large fan, creating a shelter underneath. Liyanage’s style has heavily leaned on nature-inspired architecture, with the use of natural materials like wood and bamboo. The Yoga & Wellness Retreat is no different, with a design so instantly iconic, you’d recognize it from a mile away!

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

Designed to be instantly eye-catching, the massive peacock-inspired yoga center hovers above the ground, making it visible from a distance. The structure is made primarily of bent bamboo, with fabric draped over parts of it to help cut sunlight during harsh sunny days. The retreat’s most impressive feature, however, is the presence of lights on all of the peacock’s tail feathers. These light up at night to create a light show that simply sparks childlike joy!

The dome-shaped space uses a ‘tesselation’ of three peacocks, creating three points of entry for the yoga center. Located amidst a forest with a water-body on one end, the retreat is as idyllic as it can get, and just spending a couple of days there is guaranteed to melt your stress away! The circular space can be used for yoga, meditation, tai chi, among other activities that help rehabilitate people mentally and physically.

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