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Architecture

Architecture

In 2016, we arrived in Hiriketiya with a dream—to create a space that could hold peace, art, and community under one roof. Over two years of dedication, reflection, and collaboration, Mond began to take shape.

The design of Mond is a conversation between past and present. With deep respect for the Sri Lankan architectural traditions and their protagonists, our collaborators at Atelier Abraha Achermann reinterpreted these principles, weaving them into a contemporary, sustainable expression. This fusion honours Hiriketiya’s natural beauty while creating something entirely unique.

Mond is built entirely of visible concrete, polished to reveal the texture of stone, and realised through small, deliberate steps by local artisans. With no glass or traditional windows, the structure relies on generous teakwood shutters to regulate air, light, and shadow, embracing the tropical climate. The absence of conventional boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a deep connection to nature. Pergolas and balustrades in galvanised steel, along with the building’s layered thresholds, further integrate the structure into its lush environment.

But Mond’s story isn’t just one of design—it’s also about process and community. Built entirely in collaboration with craftsmen and a small core team from the region, over the 2 years we nurtured a meaningful exchange of knowledge which goes beyond the final build. It’s a testament to the potential of a sustainable practice that respects tradition while offering a new model for tropical architecture.

Six years later, we remain guided by the same values that brought us here: the tides of the moon and the boundless inspiration that meet us on this island. This building has become more than just a structure. It’s a meeting point, a cultural transfer, and a sanctuary where the rhythms of nature and human connection flow together.

Mond is not just our home—it’s yours too.