Delmege Interior Décor [Pvt] Ltd., a subsidiary of the Delmege Group of Companies, has announced an association with Asian Cottages, whereby Delmege will be the sole agents for Asian Cottages in Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives.

"Delmege has been in the interior décor business for over 20 years and we represent many world renowned agencies such as Brintons Carpets, Shaw Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of carpets, Hunter Douglas, a world leader in ceiling systems, Gerflor which is France’s largest manufacturer of vinyl, health care as well as sports flooring, Unilin for laminate flooring and many other reputed brands, " said Delmege Interior’s Managing Director, Nilantha Fernando.

"Now with the addition of Asian Cottages to our already impressive list of agencies, we are confident of serving an even bigger segment of the market," said Fernando.

Based in the Netherlands, Asian Cottages is an internationally reputed company, designing and fabricating traditional and original Asian, hardwood cottages with an authentic Asian ambience.

Asian Cottages products are exported worldwide, including European destinations such as France and Germany.

"We have a manufacturing plant in Indonesia with over 65,000 hectares of forest where we have been building prefabricated houses for both domestic as well as leisure markets for over 10 years, using timber that is suitable for Asian countries, which conform to European quality standards and adhere to European regulations, under European supervision and quality control," said Asian Cottage’s Managing Director, Rob E. Lucas.

He stressed the fact that Asian Cottages was an eco label, as the company was particularly keen to replant young trees in the local forest, thereby replacing trees that were used in construction. "It is our policy to preserve the local forests," said Lucas. He added that Asian Cottages pursued a long-term vision for local labour, instilling in them a sense of pride and responsibility.

Delmege will be the first company in Sri Lanka to provide both standard and custom designed high quality prefabricated structures in keeping with European standards and regulations.

"The houses will be built from two types of wood which have been found to be suitable for tropical climates and weather conditions, namely Bangkirai and Keruin, both of which are of Class 1 durability as well as being termite-resistant" said Lucas.

A 10-year warranty will be given for the structure when completed.

"In addition, we also provide both standard as well as custom- made doors and windows," said Lucas.

Due to the nature of its construction, the houses are ideal for hilly environs as they can be placed on poles up to three (3) metres in length. "Fire resistance components as well as insulation and electrical and sanitary installations can be placed between the double walls, thereby fulfilling both energy saving and fire protection requirements without harming the original architecture," added Lucas.

He also said that the dimensions of the rooms, bathrooms, kitchen etc. would be according to the customer’s specifications, while ceramic tiles as well as flooring as per the customer’s choice were also possible. Solid wooden flooring, too, could be supplied.

"The advantage in opting for an Asian Cottage is that it reduces the costs of labour whilst ensuring a quality structure within the soonest possible time frame, with the least possible hassle".

Delmege Interiors have already begun marketing Asian Cottages to the local market with the Maldives and India soon to follow.