The Barnhouse: Sri Lanka’s first upcycled hotel

The Eatery by The Barn

Chalets by The Barn

Outdoor dining

The Barnhouse Banquet

The Barnhouse

The Barnhouse in Panadura is the very first hospitality brand in Sri Lanka to conceptualise environmentally-responsible architecture. The Barnhouse has been designed using principles that minimise the impact on the natural environment, such as upcycling waste material, using sustainable materials, and maximising energy efficiency.

Upcycling is a creative and resourceful approach to design that involves repurposing materials or products that would otherwise be discarded or considered waste. By using salvaged shipping pallets as the main material of construction, The Barnhouse has demonstrated the potential for upcycling to not only reduce waste and conserve natural resources but also create unique and visually appealing buildings. As a result, it has succeeded in saving more than 900 trees that would have been used in the property’s construction.

Designer Ajith Mohan Perera strongly adheres to architectural notions such as resilience and adaptability, and strategies such as recycle, up-cycle, reuse, and reduce. The interiors of The Barnhouse are pleasingly decorated using upcycled material, such as a magnificent glass-bottle chandelier in the restaurant, old typewriters that have been transformed into lampshades, and furniture made of shipping pallets. The Barnhouse consists of 90% upcycled material in its production and interiors, making it the first of its kind in Sri Lanka.

The Barnhouse, launched in 2017, has created new, innovative spaces without altering the existing setting of the rubber plantation. The premise’s conserved 300+ trees produce 40 tons of oxygen in a day, allow 43,400 people to breathe every day, store 15 tons of carbon, and evaporate 829,170 gallons of water, which in turn has the cooling effect of 5 air conditioners working for 16 years.

The team behind The Barnhouse, including Managing Director and Founder Kushantha Hewapathirana, has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. “The primary concept behind The Barnhouse is to create a holistic location that demonstrates a way of life in which humans adapt to nature rather than altering it. This philosophy is reflected in the design and construction of The Barnhouse,” said Hewapathirana.

Deeply passionate about conservation and sustainability, Hewapathirana believes that those in the hospitality industry have a responsibility to address important issues such as community development, energy consumption, food waste, and conservation of nature. By taking a proactive and responsible approach to these issues, the hospitality industry can play a significant role in promoting sustainability and making a positive impact on the planet.

The Barnhouse is in the process of creating a new event venue within the premises. It will be an open-concept event venue, ideal for guests who are looking for a more natural, rustic setting for their events. The emphasis on food and beverage concepts adds an extra layer of depth and interest to the experience. The launch of this venue will bring a brand-new scope to the authenticity of The Barnhouse.

The Barnhouse is a designer boutique hotel and event venue, located in Panadura on a four-acre rubber plantation. The structure itself is based around the idea of an old English barn house, and each element found on the premises is architecturally crafted in synchronisation with the theme. With its idyllic location and unique personality, The Barnhouse Is the ultimate setting for some of life’s greatest moments, and its team is dedicated to providing guests with the highest level of service and style, serving as a good example of responsible tourism.