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Context
Many farms have diversified in recent years, both to limit the risk brought by diminishing
agricultural opportunities and to create opportunities for others to experience the farming environment. The latter reason is the reason these two idyllic holiday retreats were proposed. The ultimate aim of this project was to create an opportunity for enjoyment of the countryside and to provide a space for people to escape.
The coronavirus pandemic highlighted our alarming reliance on other countries for much of
what we buy, consume, and experience. This highlights our need to strengthen enterprise
within the UK, to support and create local business opportunities.
The creation of these two lets intended to bring tourists to the area from around the country and even from abroad. It would bring much-needed custom to local businesses such as the local public house, the local convenience shop, and the local tea room to name just a few.
Design
Throughout the design process, there was a great effort to ensure the proposed cabins blend into their setting. This meant reflecting the fields and woodland as well as the agricultural vernacular of the site. The cabins were designed with vertical wood cladding that mimics the surrounding trees but also reflects the design of many agricultural barns. They would be fitted with oak fascias, and constructed of high-quality, sustainable materials.
Another important consideration was the wildlife on site and the environment as a whole. The cabins were designed to be constructed off-site and transported in kit form to the proposed location. This drastically reduces time spent on site by tradespeople and disturbance to the local area.
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The cabins would feature a roof terrace. The intention was to provide an outdoor space but keep the overall footprint of the proposed development as small as possible to preserve natural habitats. In this situation, with no neighboring properties, the most appropriate choice was to put the outside space on the roof, not only preserving habitats but also giving the guest an elevated view of our beautiful countryside.
The footprint of the cabins was kept as small as possible to reserve space for nature and so the cabins could fit in pre-existing clearings in the woodland. Other than the cabins, the only land to be developed will be the parking and access tracks.
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The cabins are yet to be constructed.