Amongst the rocky outcrops of Yala, Sri Lanka, an outlier in a sea of wilderness awaits. Close to the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean, boulder-like structures loom within the bushes. These mammoth cocoons crafted from a clever amalgamation of bamboo, mud and brick are parts of a larger whole, known as the Wild Coast Tented Lodge.
Designed by Nomadic Resorts, the space’s bones are plush with luxe interiors by Amsterdam-based Bo Reudler Studio. Akin to a chameleon, the main pavilion’s facade clad with reclaimed teak shingles blends in with the Arcadian landscape. Amenities like a waterfront bar, restaurant and library rest within its confines.
36 suites resembling anchored airships spread out over the landscape, with an eggshell-white facade housing leitmotifs like curves and circles galore. Prefabricated off-site to minimise damage to the surrounding environment, their intentional placement was built to be as unobtrusive to the teeming wildlife as possible. The private wooden decks even have tiny pools akin to watering holes for weary travellers, perfect for a quick dip!
Each detail within alludes to a story of collaborative effort, inspired by Sri Lanka’s vernacular architectural practices and culture. Take the mesmerising pattern of crisscrossing bamboo within the pavilion, for example. When the team entrusted with its construction pulled out at the last minute, 80 local fishermen from Kirinda came to the rescue. Trained last minute, their deft precision with the ‘the poor man’s timber’ could easily rival experienced craftsmen.
The choice to utilise locally sourced materials was not an isolated decision. As Olav Bruin, creative director at Nomadic Resorts, explains, “Excavated stone and locally quarried quartz has been used widely throughout, and residue clay from the gravel-sifting process was mixed with elephant dung — an abundant resource — to create the restaurant and welcome-area mud-brick seating.” Replete with a sewage treatment plant supplying biogas to fuel the kitchens, a desalination plant for providing potable water and solar energy panels, the lodge’s beatific environs are a testament to sustainable architecture with innovation aplenty.
