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Gladwin's Lodges - Our process from concept to completion


The client commissioned SPD Studio to design and gain planning approval for three holiday lodges with a communal function room to expand the luxury leisure complex. Our brief was to create cosy environments with all the modern home comforts, perfect for family getaways or couples weekend retreats. Each lodge has a private decked terrace with a hot tub to enjoy in the summer, with picturesque views over the natural landscape.

It was a pleasure working alongside SPDS, they understood the brief perfectly and the lodges have settled into the current surroundings beautifully. SPDS were efficient and professional and we look forward to working with them in the future.- Susie Bradshaw, Gladwins Farm

The lodges, nestled in the Essex English countryside, were commissioned by a family that owns and operates the land and holiday park. The company needed to expand the park's facilities to accommodate more guests and improve their overall experience. The site chosen for the project was a large piece of land surrounded by trees and farmland, offering a peaceful and scenic environment.

The planning process has its complexities due to the site's rural location. The plans had to be carefully considered to ensure that the new lodges and communal spaces would not disrupt the environment or cause any disturbance to local wildlife. The plans also had to consider the local laws and regulations, as well as the needs of the holiday park. The first step in developing the holiday lodges was to obtain planning permission from the local council, Babergh District Council.

This involved submitting detailed plans of the proposed development, including the number and size of the lodges, the location of the ancillary parking spaces, and the design of the communal function room. The planning process also included an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed development, including a review of the site's ecology and wildlife habitats that could be affected by the construction of the lodges and the potential for noise pollution and increased traffic in the area were also evaluated.

The lodges are designed to fit well amongst the surrounding environment, using natural, local timber cladding. Large amounts of glazing frame views of the natural landscape while allowing passive solar gain to heat the open-plan interiors. Bi-folding doors provide natural ventilation in the summer seasons, providing direct access to the amenity terraces. A communal function area links two of the lodges, allowing two groups of visitors to enjoy the great outdoors together.


The design of the lodges required careful engineering consideration to ensure that they were structurally sound and could achieve the desired internal vaulted spaces. The site setting and elements also need careful consideration. This included an assessment of the site's soil and geology in determining the best foundation design for the lodges. The construction of the lodges also had to adhere to strict building codes and regulations. The design of the communal function room had to consider the potentially for large groups of people and the need for adequate ventilation to may the space work as hard as possible and ultimate be as flexible as a space as possible. Our engineers had to consider the terrain, existing infrastructure, and building regulations, ensuring the new structures was safe and durable due to the exposed rural location in the Suffolk countryside.


The holiday lodges required careful planning, architecture, and engineering considerations, designed to be environmentally friendly, blending in with the surrounding environment while providing guests a comfortable and convenient place to stay. This case study highlights our studio's experience and expertise in delivering successful leisure development from concept to completion.


If you wish to stay at either lodge (Holly, Oak and Willow), please get in touch at contact@gladwinsfarm.co.uk




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