​Weekend Retreat, Walney Island, Cumbria. This project was undertaken during my third and final year of the B.A.(Hons.) (Part I) undergraduate degree.

As Walney Island is home to two nature reserves and popular beaches, the design needed to be discrete, compact and low impact. It's also a very exposed site which means shelter is paramount for those staying overnight. I nestled the retreat into an existing hillside so that it is only visible from the beach side and partially protected from the winds. The lack of windows (barring the central skylight) was a conscious decision to deter visitors staying indoors and looking out onto the landscape. The architecture encourages them to go out and explore the area and really experience it.