UF4 Restaurant in Ella

The design concept inspired from a flying machine which is widely known in Sri Lanka as the “Dandu Monera Yanthraya”, or Large Peacock machine. This rustic style to Ella village based on locally available materials and details that reflecting the vernacular architectural touch. Mainly timber was used in the construction of the restaurant. The structural timber columns acquired are from rose gum tree – Eucalyptus grandis that is grown purposefully and approved for usage by the Forest Department of Sri Lanka. Micro timber branches are used as rafters of the roof and it is thatched with two layers of blady grass – Imperata cylindrica with a tar felt sheet as a waterproof insulation in between. Lots of degraded wooden logs have been acquired for furniture. Especially bar counter stools were made out from vehicle wheels. Interior was designed with the application of eco-friendly and re-claimed materials. Cinnamon sticks and Sri Lankan traditional Reed and rush products were used for some of interior partitioning and wall decorations. Interior and exterior lighting are complemented with reclaimed metal pots, water buckets, round roof tiles and tires.

Awards

Commonwealth region Second Best Design Project in Robert Mathew Award International Design Competition 2019:

Chartered Architects were awarded a certificate of commendation in recognition for the innovative Café UFO design at the Robert Mathew Award international design competition 2019.  It was organized by Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) in association with Architectural Association of Kenya (AKK). Café UFO has been selected as the second best design project among the entries of 35 Commonwealth countries.