An innovative approach to a world class leisure destination
Lost Shore Surf Resort Hub Buildings
Thorough stakeholder engagement, robust sector knowledge and our collaborative approach has been critical in the development of this truly innovative project.
The background
The Lost Shore Surf Resort is Scotland’s first and Europe’s largest inland surf destination, founded by Andy Hadden of Tartan Leisure. This highly innovative complex, set to ‘change the landscape for Scottish tourism’, features a surf cove, three central hub buildings and surrounding facilities designed to blend harmoniously with the landscape. It offers visitors a unique experience, unlike any other attraction in Scotland.
The project brief invites a building solution which delivers ‘an amazing experience’ and enhances the ‘spectacle of the water.’ The design caters for all needs through three distinct buildings, each with a defined function, character and energy, housing the diverse activities available.
The design carefully balances efficiency, budget and context, all with the user experience front of mind.
The Design Approach
Based in a disused quarry to the West of Edinburgh, the hub building complex sees the three primary buildings arranged around a central sheltered plaza which benefits from fantastic views over the cove.
The concept realised three separate buildings as opposed to one single facility, naturally suiting the project brief whilst allowing the buildings to nestle into the landscape and respond to the site topography.
Originally a brownfield site and former quarry located in the rural outskirts of Edinburgh, the land has been transformed. The levelled terrain shared by the surfing cove and hub buildings creates a seamless flow, uniting the surfing and ancillary facilities into one cohesive experience.
Passive design strategies minimize CO2 emissions, with dynamic energy modelling ensuring optimal energy efficiency. The buildings achieve an EPC rating of A thanks to a number of sustainable design and build measures.
Upon arrival, visitors embark on a journey through the folding landscaping, with the new hub buildings providing a welcoming arrival destination. Their orientation was specifically influenced by the site topography, client brief, environmental considerations and also to frame the spectacular views across the surf cove. The building heights with sloping roofs gives them presence, allowing them to peek above the surrounding landscaped mounds, increasing the visitor’s anticipation and excitement on approach. The use of natural materials help to better nestle and weather them into the landscape.
The design required extensive stakeholder engagement including with an events management company, caterers, surf shop specialists, beauty therapy specialists and Napier University to accomodate 'The Surf Lab', a hub for research and development in surfing.
Theres no escaping the surf which has remained the priority, front and centre.
The events block offers a large space for street food vendors to set up and serve high quality food and drinks to visitors using the food hall and events space. This space is large, flexible and flooded with natural light. Bi-folding doors allow the space to open out to the cove, bringing the outdoors into the building.
The central surfing block accommodates the Surf School Reception, Surf Shop, Health Spa, Wetsuit area as well as a High-Performance Centre and offices. Visitors are greeted at the reception area with views out over the water.
The retail unit is immediately identifiable from the main entrance of the building and opens out into the main reception area, maximising shop floor and display space and with the ability to spill out into the central plaza in warmer months, to become an extension of the shop floor.
Guests can sit back and relax in the health space which offers space for manicures, pedicures and two private massage rooms. These spaces all benefit from natural light.
A standalone changing block based on a ‘changing village’ concept offers unisex and fully inclusive facilities for all visitors including large groups and families. The user's experience and privacy is fully respected through the provision of individual changing and shower cubicles. External changing rooms and WCs are also provided.
The High-Performance Centre provides space for training and video analysis. The space is completely open plan with natural light and direct access to outside. A higher ceiling also allows flexibility for a range of activities including skipping ropes and plyometric jumps.
The impact
The buildings are constantly activated whether its food & beverage, events space, retail, the wellness area, the surf lab, office space or changing facilities. Spaces flow into each other to become one complete experience.
Each building design has been tailored to its specific function and harmoniously interacts to create an overall stimulating and very unique user experience. The user experience will be fun-filled, energetic or relaxing depending on the selected activities. This will be a truly positive and memorable experience for everyone, staff and visitors alike.
The buildings sit harmoniously within the landscape and offer visitors an experience unlike any other attraction in Scotland.
We had an incredibly ambitious but inspiring brief from the client and we’re proud to have delivered on that. The design has enabled a truly positive and memorable visit for staff and visitors alike.
David McNabb
Director of Architecture
Credits
Photography
Gordon Burniston
Lost Shore Surf Resort
