Designing with Intention: The Story Behind The Cliff Weligama’s Sensory Architecture with PWA Architects

At The Cliff Weligama, every detail from the curve of a doorway to the way the light hits the terrace at sunset has been carefully considered to create a space that feels both grounded in nature and elevated in experience. To bring this vision to life, we partnered with PWA Architects, one of Sri Lanka’s leading architecture studios known for their refined, site-sensitive approach. In this interview, we take you behind the scenes of the design journey that helped shape The Cliff in to the intimate yet iconic venue it is today.

Q&A with Architects Philip Weeraratne, Principal architect at Philip Weeraratne Associates and Ravindu Karunanayake, Partner at Philip Weeraratne Associates.

Let’s start with the brief what were your first thoughts when we approached you to design The Cliff Weligama?

The first thought was what would be the most sensible way to capture the mind blowing and very rare breathtaking view 200 degree view with the least intervention and obstruction for each and every visitor.

The location is undeniably special. How did the natural surroundings influence your concept and choice of materials?

It was quite obvious to the team that taking into account the beautiful textures of the vegetation of the mangroves and the vibrant hues and shades of the rich red earth that whatsoever architecture needed to resonate the same in its choice of materials and colors.

One of our goals was to create a space that blends seamlessly into its environment while still making a statement. How did you approach that balance?

The design team of PWA led by Architect Ravindu Karunanayeke believed strongly in the idiom of less is more so thereby opted for a series of platforms and light structures that allowed free reign for the natural elements to almost take over the architecture and be the architecture.

How does the design of The Cliff pay homage to Sri Lankan heritage, whether through structure, form, or detail?

Whether the ruins of Anuradhapura or the majesty of Sigiriya to simple wattle and daub native homes , they all resonate the embrace of nature and its sensitive reactions to it in enhancing the architecture whether in space or texture and color. Therefore it's part of our heritage to be able to imbibe and blend in color and form with the natural environment.

Sustainability is important to us. Can you share any eco-conscious decisions or construction methods that were key in this project?

We made a conscious choice to retain , restore and recycle the materials from the two fishermen shacks that were left abandoned and dilapidated at site as our focal point and continued to use the same pallet of materials in anything new . From earth bricks to natural clay tiles to coconut rafters , every single material was in respect to the buildings that were inherited. It’s worthy of mention that every single building was restored or designed to function without any air conditioning  and with maximum natural cross ventilation capturing the cool breeze’s across the Indian Ocean.

The guest experience is central to everything we do. How did you approach the flow of space to enhance atmosphere and functionality?

It was the intention of Ravi and the team to almost tease the guest along a myriad of experiences on the senses , from the welcoming gravel courtyard that rustled with the footsteps of the guest to the visual paradise of the rich foliage to the carefully and creatively crafted footpaths with occasional glimpses of the dazzling hues of the azure blue Indian Ocean to the climax of the astounding  200 degree view framed by a carefully manicured lawns and terraces.

How do you hope The Cliff Weligama will be perceived five or ten years from now in the architectural and hospitality community?

I have no doubt that the cliff Weligama will be discussed and even remembered through posterity as a clever master craftsmanship and vision of the architects in unison with a like minded client who went against the obvious and commercial grain of having built brick and mortar building but had the boldness to use landscape and nature as actually the corner stones and foundations of this particular architectural piece . Architect Ravindu Karunanayake, The Founders of The Cliff Weligama Thilan and Revantha need to be applauded for their bold forthright determination in execution in integrity being true to its original vision

Working with PWA Architects allowed us to turn our vision for The Cliff into a reality, a space that feels timeless yet of its time, intimate yet open, refined yet relaxed. We’re proud to share this journey with you and grateful to collaborate with creatives who understand how architecture can transform not just a place, but the way people feel within it.

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