Baca Architects recently secured planning permission for the £25 million Tyram Lakes Hotel and Spa in South Yorkshire. This is part of a wider eco development around a series of lakes - the legacy of the extractive industry - located in a 165-acre woodland site. Fifty eco-lodges, currently under construction, will float amongst reed beds at the side of the western lake and, when completed, the hotel and spa will serve lodge residents as well as their own guests.
The approach to the hotel is conceived as a sequence of landscape elements creating a grand approach through tree-lined vistas. These vistas will incorporate wayfinding sustainable drainage features signaling the transition from daily life to eco-luxury retreat.
A three-story reception atrium is the heart of the hotel linking the upper guestroom levels with the movement of visitors around and between reception, bar and dining, spa areas and the lakes themselves. Tall pod features with wooden slatted louvers will screen the amenity stair and the touchdown work areas of the business lounges, whilst galleried bridges and lift lobbies will overlook both the activity below and the longer views across the lakes. The curved dining room has its own terrace and overlooks the lake.
The sinuous building form wraps around the lake like waves on water and is divided into facetted bedroom and balcony units whilst being screened by a series of horizontal stone-colored external shading and balustrade louvers.
"We have created a piece of living sculpture that flows around the edge of the lake," stated Richard Coutts, Director of Baca Architects. "Together with the floating lodges, the whole complex will be the first of its kind in the UK and a centerpiece in the growing attraction of South Yorkshire and the North."
The hotel has been planned to cater for a range of conferences, meetings, and weddings. Accessed through a dedicated entrance, the generous function rooms overlook the lake and activity can spill out onto lakeside terraces.
The spa complex includes a 20-meter pool, discrete treatment rooms with quiet lake views, a fully equipped gymnasium, and sauna and steam rooms.
A rooftop bar and terrace will offer truly panoramic views of the natural landscape of the Tyram site and the adjoining Humberhead Peatlands' and Hatfield Moors' nature reserves.
The hotel has 104 rooms and will be designed to a high environmental standard (a minimum of BREEAM Very Good).
Images: Courtesy of Baca Architects