Material Character
Our archetype pods have been recently built to highlight their unique craftmanship. Over the last year the timber shingles have been exposed to different locations within the Latvian forrest. Following this weathering process the natural grains of the shingles have been enhanced, further improving the pods character. The external material pallete can be tailored to harmonise with any site.
Pods of Peace
The Skylark is a fusion of eco-cabin and treehouse. These elegant and contemporary stand-alone units are designed to nestle into woodlands and other natural terrains. A new approach to self-catering getaways for couples and families who want to live well in nature.
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.
A bold sightseeing tower rises from the horizon line which is formed by a park’s palm trees signalling the position of the Tourism Activation Centre at Yanbu’s coast. As visitors weave through the park, the centre begins to reveal itself through its landscape design, sculptural seating and architecture lead visitors to the tower and the nearby building entrance.
The sightseeing tower, 40m in height, features a lift and spiral staircase that elevates visitors to viewing platforms which afford panoramic views over the site and out to the Red Sea beyond.
Visitors can then enter the main buildings, containing the Visitor Centre Exhibition Spaces, Marina Area and Dive Centre.
Step into the Realm of Leisure and Hospitality Design: Where Elegance Meets Escape
Designing the perfect Escape
Nestled within the lush , the design embraces the natural beauty of the surrounding mangroves and forests, with a panoramic view of Panama. With an emphasis on sustainability and harmony with nature, this 270-square-foot sanctuary offers a unique retreat in one of the Caribbean’s most pristine settings.
Our Design Process
Drawing inspiration from both eco-cabins and treehouses, it redefines the idea of a nature retreat with a focus on harmony, simplicity, and sustainability. Each unit is a modern, sculptural pod designed to nestle into its natural surroundings, creating a seamless dialogue between human design and the environment.
In essence, the Skylark is a conceptual blend of form and function—an architectural meditation on how to live sustainably and beautifully within the natural world. It’s not just a building; it’s a way of experiencing nature that feels both grounded and elevated, offering a truly unique retreat.
Guest Experience
Connection with the natural world, a well-being retreat, a break away from it all and privacy that provides warmth in winter, a cool place in summer and all with modern furnishings & fittings. At the premium end, customised interior design adds to the luxury experience.
Location:
Dumfries, Scotland
Status:
Under construction
Client:
Landal Barnsoul
Scope of Works:
Design and Manufacture
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Outdoor Sanctuaries
The largest of the Outdoor Sanctuaries range has plenty of fire-power and that isn't just a pun for the outdoor hot tub! This configuration is suitable for families or a couple of friends who want to want to pitch a tent... with all of the add-ons and none of the stress.
A large fully equipped kitchen and dining area may serve as a function space to evenings spent dining outside on either the ground or 1st floor terrace or from within the warmth of the large living space when the weather isn't as forgiving.
Each bedroom is equipped with a large star-gazing rooflight and has direct access to the downstairs bathroom which features a bath tub with external views from the comfort of the water!
The Treehouse Renaissance.
From the ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ to the ‘Famous 5’, the treehouse forms the part of the nation’s subconscious, a playful and romantic memory many children’s lives whether in fiction or actuality.
The first product to launch is the Skylark for glamping specialist “outdoor-sancturaies.com” is a range of tessellating treehouses for the European leisure parks market. The outdoor sanctuaries are self-supporting eco-cabins, that place minimal loading on the ground and are designed to tessellate to form clusters consisting or singular, dual, and triple pods.
Individual units are self-contained comprising of lounge and kitchenette on the ground floor with bedroom and ensuite bathroom at first floor. The single pod is totemic in form and includes key features such as the large round window and sunken seating in the lounge at ground level to the large vertical slot window to view the night sky from the master bedroom. The two and three bed configurations include separate lounge and kitchen and roll-top free-standing bath with view out through an oculus window.
The three-pod series sleeps 6-8 over three levels with staircases winding up into the treetops. A magical second floor crow’s nest gives way to a star gazing terrace over the middle pod.
The design adopts a fabric first strategy to minimise energy use. Thermal insulation exceeds BS3632 (UK) or EN1647 (European) caravan standards and mini-air source heat pumps, concealed within the handrail provide heating and cooling. Fresh water and foul drainage would plumb into the parks existing infrastructure.
The enclosure is prefabricated, and CNC machines craft the designs into self-locating components for ease of assembly. The facade finishes are interchangeable, with each selected specifically to enhance its individual settings. And the interiors and soft finishes are sourced from local suppliers.
The first suite of these outdoor sanctuaries will be built at Landal Barnsoul, near Dumfries in Scotland in summer 2022.
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Envisioned as a modern-day caravanserai by drawing inspiration from the historical roadside inns that were hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture along major trade routes like the Silk Road, the Beach Clubhouse provides an inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy their vacation. The design incorporates elements of traditional caravanserais, such as a central courtyard and a series of interconnected spaces, to create a vibrant and dynamic social hub for beachgoers. Guests have the choice of arriving at the beach clubhouse via road or a dedicated jetty, which connects the clubhouse to the three other sites along the coast. The jetty serves as an extension of the clubhouse, creating a seamless and integrated experience for arriving guests.
The exterior of the clubhouse has a rustic yet contemporary look, featuring neutral stone walls that are complemented by arches and a series of spikes, adding to its unique and authentic character. Inside, guests are greeted by open spaces that feature comfortable seating areas and eclectic furnishings, providing an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a day by the beach. Natural light is emphasized with large openings throughout the clubhouse, adding a bright airy feel to the interior. The clubhouse opens out to the beach with several shaded seating pockets, which can be used as a shisha lounge. Adorned with a large circular canopy, the clubhouse truly makes a bold statement on the coastline with its unique form.
The beach club terrace features an open-air design that allows for a clear view of the beach. Natural materials such as wood, rattan, and woven textures are used to create an inviting atmosphere. This terrace is perfect for social gatherings and offers a spot for relaxation with friends or family, giving the guests the luxury of experiencing both comfort and stunning views at the same time. A series of canopies made with fabric that filter light and provide gentle shelter from the sun has been used on the terrace level. These canopies are supported by bold and striking vertical design members that act as beacons of light. These design elements serve as visual markers, drawing the eye towards the clubhouse and making it a focal point on the coastline, especially after dusk.
This distribution of different beach zones incorporates private and public beach areas in order to provide guests with a range of options for their beach experience. The private beach areas offer guests a secluded and exclusive space to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, away from the crowds. It features a series of peaceful cabanas, each with its own sunbeds, surrounded by the calming sound of waves crashing on the shore. With bright, airy colours and soft fabrics, these cabanas provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for soaking up some rays and unwinding. For an added element of privacy, perforated screens have been used in each cabana unit, creating an intimate private zone.
In addition to the private beach areas, the design also includes public beach areas that are accessible to all guests. These areas are designed to accommodate larger groups of people and provide a more social beach experience. The public area of this design is a perfect oasis of relaxation and comfort. It features sunbeds and sunken seats placed strategically in a landscaped setting, providing guests with a serene environment to unwind and soak up the sun. The sunbeds offer a comfortable place to lounge, while the sunken seats provide a more intimate seating arrangement that blends seamlessly into the landscape. To shield guests from the sun, canopies have been added to provide shade and to create an aesthetically pleasing design element. The canopies are designed to complement the surrounding landscape, and they add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the public area.
In order to transform a typical beach experience, an event space has been proposed as a second phase of the design. This beach entertainment area is in the Western corner of the site and features a variety of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. With lush landscaping, ample seating areas, and a range of amenities including an outdoor cinema, children’s play area, music booths and retail options, this vibrant outdoor space offers something for everyone. It also provides spectacular views of the shoreline, perfect for relaxing in between activities. At night, it transforms into an even more vibrant space with lighting features that add a unique ambience to the nightscape.
SITE COMING SOON
