Immersive Retreat: Looking Glass Lodge
A Natural Haven in Hastings
Nestled discreetly within the serene woodland of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Looking Glass Lodge, crafted by Michael Kendrick Architects, offers a unique escape for travelers seeking tranquility amidst nature’s embrace. Spanning 49 m², this woodland retreat is designed to harmonize seamlessly with its surroundings, embodying a low-impact, material-driven ethos that celebrates the beauty of the natural world.
Eco-Friendly Vision
Conceived as a holiday let and ecological sanctuary, Looking Glass Lodge embodies the client’s vision to enhance biodiversity, protect wildlife, and foster a deeper connection with the local ecosystem. Rooted in sustainability, the lodge also serves as a platform to promote local artisans and businesses, showcasing their products and supporting the regional economy.
Sublime Design Integration
The lodge’s design ethos is one of subtlety and refinement, with a modest scale that complements the sloping terrain. Elevated among the trees, the lodge offers panoramic views through large picture windows, inviting guests to immerse themselves fully in the surrounding landscape. Natural light floods the interior, while self-tinting glass ensures privacy and minimizes disturbance to the site’s bat population.
Cozy Comforts Amidst Nature
Inside, the lodge exudes warmth and comfort, with an open-plan layout centered around a log-burning stove crafted from locally sourced timber. The bespoke kitchen, adorned with birch-plywood joinery, forms the heart of the lodge, while the en-suite bathroom boasts a freestanding bath with views across the treetops, offering a tranquil retreat for guests.
Sustainable Construction
Constructed by local craftsmen using western red cedar, the lodge blends seamlessly with its surroundings, aging gracefully to a silver-grey hue that echoes the natural landscape. The hybrid steel/timber-framed structure, anchored on screw-pile foundations, ensures minimal disruption to the site’s ecology, preserving existing trees and wildlife habitats.
Enhancing Biodiversity
From inception to completion, the project prioritized the preservation and enhancement of the site’s biodiversity. Invasive plants were removed, and bat and bird boxes were installed to encourage native flora and fauna to thrive, elevating the site’s ecological richness above its baseline.
Conclusion
Looking Glass Lodge stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of architecture and nature, offering guests a sanctuary where they can reconnect with the earth and rejuvenate their spirits. With its sustainable design principles and immersive natural surroundings, the lodge promises an unforgettable retreat for those seeking solace amidst the beauty of Hastings’ woodlands.
