Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House Hotel in St Albans is the first private members spa in the UK. The brief was to provide an enhanced upgrade of the hotel’s existing gym, studio and leisure facilities along with the addition of a new exclusive destination spa for global clientele.

The architectural approach sought to embrace the mature landscape setting by creating a series of bespoke restful spaces that engage with nature in a discrete and mindful manner. Designed to minimise impact on the mature treescape and provide coherent connection to the existing building the extension has maximised the amount of new floor area on the smallest footprint possible and resolved complex architectural technical challenges to create a simple and elegant addition to the Grade 2 listed hotel.

The external materials of glass, timber and lustrous metal cladding allow the building to showcase its contemporary aesthetic whilst respecting it’s setting by reflecting the views of mature trees and open skyline. The interior spaces have been designed and engineered for optimum lighting, thermal and acoustic performance for guest comfort and are finished with a cohesive palette of luxury materials. The creation of framed views; linked indoor and outdoor hydro spa pools and private spa garden are integral to the architectural ethos of connecting people with nature to improve health and wellbeing.

Interior design by Sparc Studios Interior Design Consultants