Looking Glass Lodge, a remarkable woodland retreat and holiday haven designed by Michael Kendrick Architects, is an exquisite gem nestled within the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This secluded sanctuary, created with a commitment to low-impact, material-driven design, harmoniously melds with the pristine wilderness that surrounds it. As an abode, it embodies the aspirations of its local owners, who not only sought to provide an exceptional escape but also aimed to enrich the ecological diversity of the region, safeguard its wildlife, and cultivate an intimate connection between guests and the natural wonders that abound.
Nestled within a discreet natural clearing, Looking Glass Lodge is an epitome of architectural ingenuity and environmental consciousness. Its unobtrusive presence is a testament to its integration into the protected woodland, where it appears as if the lodge itself were a part of the forest.
The architects’ vision was rooted in preserving the integrity of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty while creating an immersive experience for those fortunate enough to stay within its walls.
As lifelong residents of the local area, the lodge’s owners held a deep-seated appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounded them. Their vision extended beyond offering a mere holiday retreat; it was an endeavor to foster ecological preservation, support the local economy, and kindle a love for the region’s flora, fauna, and rich history among visitors.
To that end, Looking Glass Lodge serves as a platform for local businesses, including food and beverage producers and artists, to showcase their talents and products, enhancing the overall guest experience and benefiting the community.
The architectural design of Looking Glass Lodge is a study in understated elegance. Its modest scale allows it to gracefully adapt to the sloping terrain, appearing elevated among the trees while the ground gradually descends beneath it.
The lodge features expansive picture windows on both its front and rear façades, bestowing it with a sense of transparency that seamlessly integrates the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Throughout the year, natural light pours into the lodge, illuminating its interior spaces and enhancing the connection to the outdoors. To preserve the tranquility of the environment and the habitat of protected species like bats, self-tinting electrochromic glass was meticulously selected.
This innovative choice ensures privacy, regulates overheating, and minimizes the intrusion of artificial light as night falls, preserving the natural rhythm of the forest.
Inside the lodge, a thoughtfully designed layout invites guests into an open-plan living space warmed by a log-burning stove. The timber used for heating is sourced from fallen trees on the property, aligning with the lodge’s commitment to sustainability and minimizing operational costs.
The kitchen, a bespoke masterpiece, takes center stage, crafted to cater to the culinary desires of guests. Birch-plywood joinery subtly divides the interior, creating a sense of privacy in the bedroom area. The en-suite bathroom features a freestanding bathtub that offers guests the opportunity to indulge while gazing out at the serene tree canopy.
Looking Glass Lodge is a testament to the skills of local craftsmen, who hail from Hastings, and the choice of western red cedar as the primary building material is a nod to both its external cladding and internal lining.
Left untreated, the lodge’s exterior will gracefully weather to a silver-grey hue, harmonizing with the natural landscape, while the warm and inviting interior exudes a cozy ambiance.
Throughout the construction of the lodge, preserving the site’s existing ecology, habitat, and treeline was paramount. The lodge’s hybrid steel/timber-framed structure rests on screw-pile foundations, a strategy that minimizes impact on existing tree roots, safeguards the trees, and ensures unobstructed wildlife access.
The off-site construction approach further exemplifies the commitment to minimal disruption during the building process, addressing logistical challenges while preserving the natural surroundings.
The construction of Looking Glass Lodge not only respected the environment but also provided an opportunity to enhance the site’s biodiversity. Invasive plants were meticulously removed, and bat and bird boxes were thoughtfully placed to encourage the resurgence of native flora and fauna. The lodge thus contributes positively to the ecological well-being of the region, a testament to its owners’ dedication to sustainable living.
In conclusion, Looking Glass Lodge stands as a triumph of design, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Tucked away within the serene woodlands of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this woodland retreat offers an unparalleled escape, a chance to reconnect with nature, and a commitment to supporting the local community.
It serves as an exemplary model of how architectural excellence and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously, creating a sanctuary where guests can truly immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the world around them.
Photos by Tom Bird.