- Architects: CASAA – Contemporary Architecture Studio and Associates
- Lead Architects: Isurunath Bulankulame
- Design Team: Nisith Edippily
- CAD Technician: Chaminda Dharmawardane
- Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Area: 45,000 ft2
- Land Extent: 25 perch
- Project Year: 2024
- Client: Plantec Engeering (Pvt) Ltd
- Structural Engineers: Dr. Udaya Dissanayake
- MEP Engineers: MEP Aknit Consultants
- Interior Design: CASAA – Contemporary Architecture Studio and Associates
- Photographer: Eresh Weerasuriya
Nestled on a serene hill overlooking the iconic Kandy Lake and the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the tooth relic of the Buddha) in Sri Lanka, “The Trees” is a 27-room boutique hotel epitomizing tropical modernism and sophisticated minimalism.
The overall concept of the design is to be a catalyst of green architecture within the mutation of the natural environment on this hill and reintegrate the built environment to the natural to be visually and environmentally sustainable.
Rooted in biophilic design, the architecture seamlessly integrates with its verdant surroundings, harmonizing nature and modernity. Designed on a mountain side the Hotel consists of 7 floors in addition to the Mezzanine level and the Roof terrace level. Built on 25 perches (632 sq.m) the spaces offer undulating clean lines framing panoramic views, while the interplay of monochrome light filters through expansive glass facades, and courtyards, blurring boundaries between interior and exterior.
The exterior carefully nurtured through fenestrations and a double skin gives opportunity for natural and nurtured plant growth of which the intention is to systematically form into a biophilic object that blurs the boundaries between the built and the natural environment.
The interiors exude contemporary elegance, is dark with surfaces that reflects the exterior, merging the dark horizontal reflective surfaces with the sky and lake offering visually expansive bespoke spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation, including guest rooms, a chic café, a rooftop infinity pool, yoga and meditation areas, and a dine-in restaurant. The Trees transforms nature into an immersive luxury experience.
Text description provided by the architects
