DRIMSYNIE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, ARGYLL
Our brief for this hotel design was to create something special to provide a gateway into the existing indoor facilities of bars, a swimming pool and leisure/entertainment areas. It had to complement the historic building adjacent and provide new facilities for customers to enjoy. The architecture was to be sympathetic with local materials and have a sense of place.
The last six miles of the journey to this hotel is along single track roads. This features passing places, mountain streams, forests and highland cattle! Once you drop down to the loch the scenery is spectacular.
Our client had already invested in hydroelectricity and biomass for heating. We added wind catchers to avoid the need for mechanical ventilation and extraction in the upper areas.
All the windows were high specification, Scandinavian design with improved sound reduction and super thermally efficient properties. This allowed us to specify significant amounts of glazing. These take advantage of the stunning views and improve the natural light to the internal areas.
The stone was from a local source, this was important as its colour perfectly matches the pallet of the landscape.
An open fire fitted in the lounge area of the restaurant was child friendly. We specified an electric fire with a water mist which gives a realistic flame and smoke effect. It is difficult to distinguish from the real thing creating an illusion which is totally heat free.
Designing to the customer profile was important and also to accept that walkers and nature lovers would be using this facility.
Materials selected were chosen to match the natural elements.
Sales, reception and administration incorporated on the upper level along with a restaurant/bar with spectacular views across the loch. There is also a fast food area and a link to the existing building. All of which are fully accessible to disabled clientele and families with young children.
On middle level is the spa with treatment rooms, the gym and bedroom accommodation. Our space layout ensures all bedrooms have a view of the loch and that sound insulation is to the highest level, both between bedrooms and insulating from adjacent public areas.
The next level includes more bedrooms and a conference area which is flexible. An acoustic division allows the area to be split into three smaller rooms. This makes it suitable for weddings, entertainment and business.
