About Amma Erna

SERENDIB! The Arabic name for Sri Lanka, but at the same time a concept with a much larger significance : Serendipity – fortunate coincidence – ‘the art of the unexpected' - has to do with curiosity, openness and critical insight’. 

Unexpected was the question to reinterpret  the project of Amma Erna, but it wasn’t a coincidence because I discovered in 2008 the intriguing (tropical) architecture of Studio Mumbai at the Biennale of Architecture in Venice.

The "location", a sloping site with beautiful rocks, was a grateful challenge for a game of correctly dimensioned levels, for a scene of interesting views and for the integration of the rocks in the pool and the  terrace.

With a mind of openness, I went looking for the quality of architecture in India and Sri Lanka. Geoffrey BAWA showed me the influence of the place, the "Genius Loci" and his search for a balance between vernacular architecture and international (modernist) influences.

Discrete spatial transitions and interactions lead the guests from extroverted to introverted spaces. The contemporary design is defined by large cantilevers against rain, open and high spaces with natural ventilation against the heat, the use of nets against insects,... The building and the interiors were realized with simple construction techniques of brick, cement and concrete, wood and tiles.

Even more important than the matter of building was the creation of atmospheres where the emphasis is on the "physical experience" in its many aspects : a building that looks life straight in the face. That looks at, listens to and feels the sun and the shadow, the rain and the wind, the rocks and the surroundings ... A place to enjoy the different spaces and spatial interactions, where the boundary between inside and outside is blurred.

The design is wonderfully suited to the family of mother Erna. A family where hospitality, to receive, to pamper, to enjoy and to meet is essential. It is a dwelling for people with the same desire for authentic luxury. A potential place for social encounters. It’s a project I myself worked on with great pleasure. Experience and enjoy this serendipity, a fortunate discovery by accident! 

Architectural bureau A. De Meulemeester.

The villa is designed by Belgian architect Anne-Mie Demeulemeester.  Anne-Mie is a professor at the Institute for Architecture and Visual Arts Sint-Lucas in Belgium. The garden is designed by a student and employee of Bevis Bawa.

Jacob Pringiers

"When Anne Viane contacted us to be part of her Villa project close to the city of Galle in the south of Sri Lanka we 
immediately found allot of parallel thinking. The vision of Anne combined with the architecture of Annemie Demeulemeester 
perfectly fitted with our A+ Furniture and more design philosophy. 

Being a modern hideaway nestled between the rich tropical vegetation we found that our clean lines and essential design formed 
a solid base for the loose furniture of the villa. Ranging from metal chairs to teak tables we combined our collection 
pieces with some special requests which we custom designed to complete the interior requirements. We are convinced that 
the quality and timelessness of our furniture will certainly compliment this project and be an asset to its success.

‘A+ furniture and more’ is to evoke 'Atmosfera'; to create ‘Ambiance'; to adorn ‘Architecture’.

‘A+ furniture and more’ combines Belgian 'pure' design with Italian elegance. The style is thorough and true to the proverb 
of 'less is more'. A collection, attentively designed to help create serene environments which are both harmonious and comfortable, 
without being intrusive or predominant. Each piece is essential, timeless and made to the highest standards, respecting the 
environment at each stage, consciously not following "trends". The principal  materials are wood, steel and aluminium, each 
bringing its own character to the collection."

We have a deep respect for our personnel. We guarantee our people a fair and living wage and work schedule. We also strive for good working conditions for them. We employ and buy locally and we use as much as possible organic food. We make use of rain water for toilet use and we also have solar panels for hot water.  

At Amma Erna, we care about the environment. Our mesmerizing edible garden reminds us of how beautiful our nature really is.