Immersive bathing amidst woodland serenity with Blackened Larch Lush
Deep within the enchanting woodlands of East Sussex, the Bather’s Cabin greets visitors with a unique experience through its verdant rooftop terrace. Designed by the innovative British studio, Built Works, the cabin is a testament to the art of blending architecture with nature. Clad in striking darkened timber, this retreat is more than just rooms; it is an immersive bathing sanctuary complete with a sauna, hot tub, and ice bath.
Built Works explains their vision, saying, “We wanted the rooftop deck to be devoted entirely to the ritual of bathing.” The roof garden allows guests to traverse through pathways on a raised boardwalk, enveloped in nature’s tranquil embrace, a seamless fusion of otherworldly charm with woodland roots, complemented beautifully by the darkened wood design.
A harmonious architectural ensemble with Blackened Larch Lush
Sitting proudly as part of Architect Holiday‘s ensemble at Great Park Farm, the cabin complements other timber structures like the Yogi’s Cabin and the Drying Shed Sauna. Nestled at the foot of a steep bank, visitors enter at the roof level, aligning the verdant deck with the top of the bank, enhancing the interplay with the landscape. This is further enhanced by the blackened wood that features prominently throughout.
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Materials that mirror the landscape
The roof is alive with mosses, grasses, and ferns, relocated directly from the plot on which the cabin was built — a thoughtful gesture transforming the woodland floor into an elevated oasis. Reflecting the grain storage structures of the 1960s, its blackened, tiered larch façade provides a protective yet harmonious feel, making this choice of material an integral part of its identity.
Built Works elaborates, “The tiered facade draws on the stepped forms of traditional granaries… its profile softens the cabin’s silhouette within the landscape.” This clever design allows the structure to meld seamlessly into its environment, noticeable at night when its formidable presence becomes softly indistinct, highlighted further by the distinctive dark timber.
Open yet intimate interiors
Inside, the cabin hosts a cross-plan layout that frames picturesque views from every angle while maintaining an open feel. Privacy, when required, is gently offered by curtains rather than doors. Here, natural materials shine, many crafted by local hands or the director’s own family, like the bathroom tiles adorned with floral imprints.
The handmade touches extend to curtains that mirror the cabin’s floor plan and cedar furniture echoing the geometric exterior. A hand-cut oak woodblock floor and hemp insulation sourced and processed in the UK are testament to their commitment to sustainability, with the darkened wood providing a finishing touch.
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Built Works, co-founded by Harry Kay and Will Gowland in 2018, continue to push architectural boundaries with projects like a uniquely British-themed chocolate shop in London.
With this woodland retreat, Built Works has crafted a serene sanctuary embracing both nature and the senses, redefining restorative living amidst the towering trees of East Sussex, with this innovative material playing a pivotal role in the aesthetic and functionality.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What unique feature does the Bather’s Cabin rooftop have?
The Bather’s Cabin rooftop terrace is devoted entirely to the ritual of bathing, featuring pathways on a raised boardwalk that allow guests to be enveloped in nature’s tranquility.
What materials are used for the cabin’s exterior?
The cabin’s exterior is clad with blackened larch, which reflects grain storage structures of the 1960s and provides a protective, harmonious feel blending the cabin into its natural surroundings.
How does the cabin’s interior provide privacy?
The cabin’s interior maintains an open feel, providing privacy with curtains rather than doors. Natural materials and handmade touches, like floral-imprinted bathroom tiles and custom curtains, enhance the space.