Leisure

Feshiebridge Lodge

Leisure Kingussie

The replacement of Feshiebridge Lodge, for the RAF Central Fund, comprises a linked series of four high quality lodges and one multi-purpose block, located in the Cairngorm National Park. The project provides respite and recuperation space for RAF personnel and their families. It creates high quality accommodation which engages with the tranquility of the forest. The ambition to improve the health and wellbeing of users through excellent design has received thorough endorsement from the client group.

The design strategy, which focused on flexibility and efficiency, meant that the new development sat within the ‘brownfield’ footprint of the old building, so no trees were felled during construction.

Environmental considerations included supporting local biodiversity, whole-life sustainability of components and materials, the thermal performance of the building envelope, and the emissions and carbon footprint of the design. The building is constructed in efficient and well-insulated structural timber panels, and clad in timber weatherboarding and slate. Heating and hot water is provided by discretely located air source heat pumps, so no gas is consumed. The pumps are continuously monitored and can be adjusted remotely to ensure ongoing optimum performance.

The individual, but linked, lodges reflect the diverse needs of the users; providing private space for individuals or families, with opportunity for flexible integration to enable social interaction. One lodge performs a ‘multi-function’ role, with scope for differing uses by a variety of groups.

The project was completed on time and on budget. The client body and the broad range of groups which use Feshiebridge Lodge have been delighted with the building.

ARCHITECT TRAIL ARCHITECTS I CLIENT RAF CENTRAL FUND I STRUCTURAL ENGINEER CAMERON + ROSS I ENGINEER CDMM I QUANTITY SURVEYOR MCLEOD AND AITKEN I MAIN CONTRACTOR WGC SCOTLAND

SERVICES

ARCHITECT TRAIL ARCHITECTS I CLIENT NATURAL LAND I STRUCTURAL ENGINEER RAMSAY AND CHALMERS I SERVICES ENGINEER CDMM I QUANTITY SURVEYOR MCLEOD AND AITKEN I MAIN CONTRACTOR WGC SCOTLAND

Plas Pistyll

Leisure Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd

The client, an established and successful operator of luxury holiday accommodation, required additional capacity in a mixture of unit sizes to enhance its existing operation at the site. The project was required to deliver a similar programme to a previous unrealised design, but also to resolve the planning and technical issues on the site in a manner which could be delivered to the highest standard.

The site is located on a rural, coastal site within the Llyn Peninsula AONB and links with the Welsh Coastal Path. The design responded intelligently to the complex topography of the site and articulated an architecture which was progressive, but also sensitive to the local aesthetic. It was essential that all twenty-five units were arranged to benefit from amazing sea views; but also to give a sense of privacy and seclusion – engaging positively with the sloping site was critical to success in this respect.

The designs, while being contemporary in their detailing and construction, respond to context sensitively. Timber weatherboarding and slate roofs prevail, with areas of stone cladding and landscaped walling reclaimed from the former Manor House, located at the site, which had previously been demolished.

The buildings are constructed in structurally efficient timber panels, with thermal performance exceeding the requirements of the Welsh Building Regulations. Heating and hot water is provided by discretely located air source heat pumps.

Since completion there has been consistently positive feedback from the client and users of the buildings. It’s clear that the architectural design is wholly appropriate to the place and sensitively capitalises on the extraordinary natural beauty of North Wales.

108 King’s Stables Road

URBANDESIGN