The Solution
Using their great diversity of experience, our
in-house architects first took feature details
from the hotel and other outbuildings, including
a Georgian coach house, and incorporated these
into the design of the new building.
Plans were drawn up for a building of timber
frame construction, faced externally with a traditional
local render. It was to have a 30% pitch roof
finished with natural slate roof tiles and cast
iron ogee guttering.
The intricate multi-level roof was designed to
ensure that none of the dimensions exceeded those
on the coach house. Arched windows, string course
at high level and Georgian doors matched all the
other buildings.
This attention to detail, together with detailed
meetings at an early stage with the Conservation
Officer and Planning Authorities, ensured that
the plans subsequently passed the complex planning
stages with only minor modifications.
Having received permission to proceed, time was
of the essence and the building was completed
in just 26 weeks, well ahead of target.
Internally, a dramatic eighteen-metre high cathedral
style roof with glazed roof panels and clere story
lighting provide high levels of light. The roof
spans all the facilities and creates an airy interior
space. The layout of the centre is very functional
with the entrance hall, reception, changing rooms
and other services centrally located.
A 15 metres long by 6 metres wide swimming pool
with integral spa and children's pool is located
to the left of the building whilst a fully equipped
gymnasium is to the right. A steam room, sauna,
solarium and beauty therapy room complete the
range of facilities available. The Centre is accessible
to all – people with mobility difficulties
have no problem entering or moving around.
We were responsible for all aspects of the building
including landscaping, laying a brick paving linking
the centre to the hotel, plumbing, electrical
and heating services, floor coverings and the
environmental control systems. |
