Location:

Norfolk, East Anglia, UK

Status:

Pre-planning

Client:

Norfolk Farm Leisure Ltd.

Scale:

80 hectares

Constraints:

Flood zones 2 & 3, former mineral extraction site

Cost:

£35million

Scope of Works:

Project management, masterplanning and full architectural plans submission

Baca Architects has designed a cocoa pod-shaped treehouse for an eco hotel located on a secluded Panama island, which is accessible only by boat. The practice was asked to design the treehouse as well as a larger residence for the Bíku Treehouse Retreat on the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

The chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea are known for their scenic natural parks, made up from forests and mangroves that provide a habitat for hundreds of species. The treehouse’s design aims to take advantage of the idyllic setting through a broad panoramic opening at one side of its bulbous form, splitting it in two like a cocoa pod.

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Reviving a site in Ashwicken, Norfolk formerly quarried for sand Baca Architects has designed an eco-wellness resort ideal for those seeking comfort and serenity in a UK based getaway. The resort centred on waterside living, water-based recreation and wellness is set to offer a memorable yet, tranquil staycation at a time when travel restrictions across Europe are at their highest.

The ‘Water Lily,’ is a floating island of 40-flatted units located in the southeast corner of Ashwicken Lake. Inspired by the water lily or lotus plant whose big leaves float on the water’s surface to attract ample sunlight for photosynthesis, Baca adopts this shape to evoke serenity amongst its visitors and synthesise human wellbeing.

Contrasting with the quieter setting of the private lodges, the Water Lily’s iconic form provides a sheltered enclave between the leaves, creating a generous sunbathing terrace a lake level. This composition ensures all apartments have a clear view out on to the lake and the clustered nature of the design works to create an intimate courtyard at the centre for an ample, yet communal environment.

“The Water Lily is both architecture and a living sculpture. Imagine holidaying here? – it would be so refreshing, pure escapism and unlike anything else that the UK has to offer. It’s been an absolute joy to work on and wonderful that the Client has been involved at every stage of the project’s evolution” Richard Coutts. Baca Co-Founder

THE WIDER RESORT

The approach to the resort will take guests through a landscaped sequence from their

moment of arrival, where they’ll leave their car behind in a park graced with rain gardens.

Here, their experience of connection with nature, ecological diversity and wellbeing begins. A stroll through swales leads to a land bridge which connects lakeside with the clubhouse. This is the UK’s first clubhouse on water, which sits at the heart of

the resort. Distinctively designed, this exceptional building will comprise a spa, café/restaurant, and lakeside pool facilities as well as alfresco waterside dining. 131 lodges, all located on or near the water’s edge, and each encircle the clubhouse

with a mooring.

Our masterplan arranges the lodges in clusters, interspersed with new planting, trees, follies and water taxi jetties to create areas of different character across the resort. Alongside the existing woodland are 23 treehouses which will provide

additional accommodation. Water-based pursuits will include rowing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) as well as opportunities for open water swimming. For those preferring to stay on land, tennis courts and areas for ball games and

archery have also been designed into the landscape along with a climbing wall and children’s play area.

Water-based pursuits will include rowing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) with tennis courts, children’s play areas, climbing walls and areas for archery and ball-games

tailored for those preferring to stay on land. The proposed scheme showcases a unique development harmonising the sites natural assets with high quality architectural design. 

The proposals are sustainable and aim for zero-carbon both in use and production, using materials of low bodied energy, high levels of thermal insulation and building airtightness, natural ventilation, and offsite prefabrication as well as on-site energy generation and waste treatment. The sourcing and durability of the materials used, potential for recycling and the distance to site were all considered within the design. The highly engineered design of the project, together with the reduction of on-sire material wastage and embedded carbon cost, contributed to achieving a BREEAM ‘Very good’ rating at design stage.

 The buildings are low energy by design and adopt “energy neutral strategy”. Space is allocated on the site for a solar array and the lake is utilized as a source of renewable energy. This £35 million private sector investment in the local economy (King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, and wider Norfolk) will create not only a world class destination but will also benefit local residents. The site’s facilities will be available to those in the area and for both the creation and running of the space there will be a large increase in job opportunities during extremely economically challenging times.

Size, scale and massing

The “Water Lily” is a two storey structure that floats on the Lake. The lake embankment is approximately 2.25m to 2.5m higher than the “Water Lily’s” primary floor meaning only one storey is visible above the rim of the Lake. We have included site section drawings through the site that show how the bunding and planting at the extremity of the site will further screen potential noise and views.

Team

Baca Architects (Architects)

Aardvark EM (Planning Consultant)

iTransport (Highways)

HR Wallingford (Flooding)

Aspect Ecology (Ecology)

Alpaca Communication (Communications)

Landscape Visual Limited (LVIA)

York Aviation (Business Case)

WYG (BREEAM)

Reviving a site in Ashwicken, Norfolk formerly quarried for sand Baca Architects has designed an eco-wellness resort ideal for those seeking comfort and serenity in a UK based getaway. The resort centred on waterside living, water-based recreation and wellness is set to offer a memorable yet, tranquil staycation at a time when travel restrictions across Europe are at their highest.​

The ‘Water Lily,’ is a floating island of 40-flatted units located in the southeast corner of Ashwicken Lake. Inspired by the water lily or lotus plant whose big leaves float on the water’s surface to attract ample sunlight for photosynthesis, Baca adopts this shape to evoke serenity amongst its visitors and synthesise human wellbeing.