OHC26: Ilot Colombo Workshop [Workshop]

Join a tour and workshop at the Ilot Colombo Workshop as part of Open House Colombo 2026.

Founded by Kasun and Laura and their shared love for handcrafted interiors, îlot Colombo designs and creates handmade cement and ceramic tiles.

Once a storage warehouse for the family construction company, îlot’s Polgasowita-based factory is now the site of a passionate revival of a centuries-old craft. After extensive self-training in the history and process of tile making in Sri Lanka and Europe, Kasun and Laura have transformed the old warehouse into a thriving factory. Using cement, natural pigments, mineral dust and sand, each tile is made using a handmade brass mould adapted to suit the requirements of each client. Tiles are manufactured by skilled craftspeople on a needs basis, and the company recycles and reuses tiles that have errors in production, limiting factory waste.

Last year, îlot expanded with a dedicated ceramic factory directly adjacent to the cement tile workshop. The ceramic tiles allow for greater versatility in application, and support brighter colours and more varied designs. Îlot employs two dedicated ceramic artists from the Faculty of Arts, University of Visual and Performing Arts (also part of the OHC26 programme). The new factory was built using recycled steel and panels salvaged from a local airport extension project, breathing new life into industrial waste.

Visitors can delve into tile-making with a two-hour tour and workshop at the factory. Participants must wear closed shoes and note that clothing may get dirty during the workshop.

Logistics:

Transport will be arranged to and from the workshop in Polgasowita. The journey takes approximately one hour each way, making the total travel time two hours.

Meeting point: Geoffrey Bawa Space, 8:45 am

Address: 42/1 Horton Place, Colombo 07

Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ngyFSH85hq8QnhcM9