Design Challenge and Design Ideas

The brief looked to unlock the potential of the steeply sloping site, providing a unique tourist offering—suites that blend into the landscape — while enhancing features of the historic garden and regenerating the landscape and woodland ecosystem.
The architectural language aimed to minimise site impact and embrace its steep, wooded character while retaining the essence of the existing tree canopy. Materials such as thermally treated timber cladding and aluminium panelling were chosen for durability and to complement the site’s natural beauty. The suites are designed to touch the topography lightly, with many elevated on stilts, minimising invasive works.
The rejuvenation of the overgrown and dense woodland was a significant challenge. The process involved meticulous planning in collaboration with a landscape architect and an ecologist to ensure a well-considered and effective proposal. Great care was taken to create a design sympathetic to the landscape, respecting the site’s history and topography.

How the brief was fulfilled

Three typologies emerged in response to site conditions: the River Suites, Clubhouse, and Woodland Suites. The River Suites and Clubhouse occupy the west of the site, enjoying views over the wildflower meadow and city beyond. The Woodland Suites are nestled within the tree canopy to the east, accessed via steps and walkways.
The exterior finishes harmonise with the surroundings, offering a timeless aesthetic. Dark timber cladding helps the architecture blend seamlessly into its context. The River Suites, with their strong, purposeful dark planes, appear to naturally emerge from the landscape.
The Woodland Suites, featuring an organic form and overlapping cladding mimicking a bird’s nest, provide an immersive experience within the trees.
The design emphasises framing views and creating focal points. Surprise elements are crafted throughout the journey to the units, and expansive picture windows greet guests with breath-taking views. These windows open onto glass balconies, ensuring uninterrupted vistas.

The landscape strategy integrates the hotel’s current land use into the woodland. The goal was to transform it into a diverse and structurally sound native woodland. An extensive tree survey identified areas suitable for development and areas to be preserved. As part of the landscape strategy, a new layer of native trees, including Oak, Birch, Alder, and Holly was planted to develop into a mixed woodland. Additionally, an understory enhancement programme will introduce native ferns, berries, and flowering bulbs, fostering a rich and diverse woodland ecosystem.
The Montenotte Woodland Suites were crafted through a complex, multi-disciplinary collaboration. Led by Henry J Lyons as architects and Roisin Lafferty as interior designers, the project involved extensive teamwork among specialists, including landscape architects, engineers, and contractors. Despite the challenges of maintaining design integrity within budgetary constraints, the team’s cohesive efforts, facilitated through regular workshops and meticulous programme management, resulted in a seamlessly integrated, nature focused luxury retreat.