Where Tradition Meets Innovation: A circular sanctuary in southern Sri Lanka

FEATURE

Floating above the landscape, Trebartha East – The Round House is an architectural masterpiece set in the heart of a cinnamon plantation. Designed by award-winning architect Dr. Narein Perera, this boutique hotel is a one-of-a-kind retreat in Sri Lanka, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings.

Inspired by traditional Sri Lankan watch huts, which were elevated to provide vantage points over farmland, the Round House is raised on stilts, achieving both a sense of weightlessness and a practical response to the tropical climate. The elevated design encourages natural airflow while minimizing environmental impact.

This intimate hideaway is a study in eco-conscious luxury. Built primarily from locally sourced wood, the Round House exemplifies sustainable architecture. Its curved façade, composed of timber slats, filters sunlight while allowing uninterrupted cross-ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling. A blend of modern sustainability and cultural heritage, Trebartha East incorporates key elements of Sri Lankan architectural vernacular, including traditional metal and stonework. Floor-to-ceiling glass dissolves the boundary between indoors and out, inviting nature into each thoughtfully curated space.

A fusion of contemporary design and timeless tradition, Trebartha East – The Round House is more than a place to stay—it is the epitome of modern Sri Lankan design and living.