Cabin In The Woods

The design was developed after careful observation of the site, and a desire to tread lightly, as well as work with the existing slope of the land and the surrounding woodland and mature landscaped gardens. It was therefore necessary to split the building into a series of three platforms, and from this, we formed a series of flowing contemporary spaces, orientated to enjoy both expansive views over the farmland to the sea.

A curious, recessed entrance door, shingle-clad on both outside and inside, opens into a tall central space with a richly textured, concrete floor and a row of skylights, that let dappled light flood in from the tree canopy above. The sleeping rooms are elevated and accessed via concrete steps that wrap around the Iroko-clad kitchen units. The separation promotes privacy and allows guests to relax in silent spaces surrounded by the trees.

Large glass sliding doors open the living space to a south-facing terrace. A long, textured concrete window seat offers guests the opportunity to relax while enjoying fabulous views across the Romney Marsh. The washroom is set back into the hillside and has a floor to ceiling window giving the impression of bathing in the woods.

The walls of the cabin are predominately clad in cedar shingle with a black rubber membrane roof which folds down onto the façade echoing the detail on the main house. Similarly, a brick chimney anchors the building to the site and mirrors the painted brick detailing on the main house.

* whilst at JDA