Inspired by the architecture of Sri Lanka's pre-colonial period, Jayantha Madawala, the architect commissioned to design Sri Lanka's new Australian Chancery in Yarralumla, Canberra, has created a modern facility that is visually aligned to its cultural heritage whilst delivering on its functional and diplomatic purpose.
The lengthy design process which began in early 2000, required significant consultation and engagement with a variety of government bodies. Jayantha's final design was selected as it embraced traditional Sri Lankan design elements including the use of wide eave lines, embossed stone columns, steeply pitched terracotta roofs and symmetrical façades.
Of particular note is the glazed, Wunderlich terracotta roof, which despite its massive 1,100 m2 footprint, balances on a series of decorative columns that surround the perimeter of the building, adding a vibrant contrast to the neutral tones used on the walls, columns and window frames.
Jayantha acknowledged that the expansive Wunderlich terracotta roof could be used to capture copious amounts of potable water. Hence, a pebble drainage moat was incorporated into the landscape design and linked to a 200,000 litre underground storage system that would be used for the sites irrigation, retention and detention.
