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UNA, a new bamboo eco-hotel project in Sri Lanka, has launched fundraising activity through Indiegogo, to begin construction of a biophilic hospitality concept designed by multi award-winning Nomadic Resorts (of Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Soneva Kiri). The development of the future travel destination is directed by Irish native Aoife O’Sullivan and Frenchman Julien Bailly, and will be Sri Lanka’s first construction project of this scale to use locally grown bamboo, as well as traditional materials including clay and iluk (a grass used for roofing).

The UNA project seeks to showcase the potential for Sri Lanka to grow its bamboo industry. Whilst the island country has the optimum climate to grow bamboo – a long-lasting construction material which has become increasingly popular throughout the rest of Asia – the material has surprisingly been largely under-cultivated and under-utilized.

Taking inspiration from the luxury bamboo buildings and cathedral-like structures found throughout Southeast Asia today, the nine UNA structures will be built in three phases, with the first phase due to be completed by November 2021. The project is seeking an initial funding goal of €30,000 towards completing the first phase, but promises to expand on that phase should stretch goals be reached.

Over the last year, the company, Una Bambu Pvt. Ltd., secured a site for the project in Andugoda, close to the village of Ahangama in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, has been given the green light from the relevant planning and tourism authorities, and established the supply chain needed to harvest, transport and treat the bamboo. This process required ensuring the bamboo was viable as a renewable and valuable replacement for timbers and educating bamboo growers and harvesters about sustainability.

“Creating biophilic living spaces (spaces that are embedded and seamlessly interact with nature) has been our core focus from the start and seems all the more prescient for a post-COVID travel world. UNA will offer open, healthy living environments and meaningful connections to nature – contributing to better guest health and well-being overall. This concept is at the heart of the design of our hotel and we’re excited to share our journey.” Say Aoife and Julien.

· Phase 1 fundraising efforts officially launched on 16th November 2020

· The UNA campaign page and story is live at https://igg.me/at/unabambu/x/24915906#/

· To incentivize fundraising, UNA is offering discounted pre-bookings of their bamboo villas, amongst other perks.

· Film Credits: Directed, Filmed & Edited by Nuwan Attanayake, Produced by Una Bambu Pvt. Ltd., Original Score by Sarani Perera, Assisted by Chamindu Kavindra

· You can also follow the story on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn: @unabambu