Part of the Bamford Collection – a group of consciously-minded lifestyle brands, The Club creates an environment for fitness and wellness amid 3,500 acres of organic farmland. Members can swim, train, dine and unwind, with facilities including an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, gym, padel courts, sauna and steam rooms, studios and therapy rooms.
Sustainability, craftsmanship and artisan skills were key to developing this 360-degree wellness experience. Under principal contractor Montrose Group, the building is constructed using local resources – a recyclable steel frame, FSC-certified timber, natural fleece insulation, and Cotswold stone. Where possible, local craftspeople, construction teams and reclaimed materials have been used to reduce the environmental impact.
Winthill Engineering was tasked with producing a range of architectural bespoke metalwork items for the club, most notably a sunken pool lounger and a double-sided statement fireplace.
The outdoor warm plunge pool has panoramic views across the orchards, and Bamford wanted to dial up the relaxation with a curved sunken pool lounger. The brief was challenging – the lounger must balance functionality with aesthetics, comfort and safety, while also feeling inviting and natural. Winthill designed and installed an ergonomic 3-metre wide sunk pool lounger made from 316 stainless steel with a mirror finish.
The first challenge was creating a curve that mimics the body’s natural shape and is intentionally designed for relaxation. This meant incorporating different contours for the back, legs and neck. Of course, everybody is different, so height was the critical factor. Measuring down from the water level, Winthill ensured the curves provide lumber and neck support without the individual sitting too high or too low in the water. To achieve this, the two side panels were laser cut to create the shape with each tube then sitting in an individual slot.
FUNCTIONALITY AND STABILITY
For comfort and safety, stability was key. Winthill engineered the lounger with two drilled holes in every tube: one to let the water in and the other to let the air out, thus filling the lounger with water. This ensures the lounger isn’t at risk of floating without the need for unsightly weights.
Due to restrictions the lounger was fabricated in two halves. This meant the Winthill installation team had to complete the installation underwater, diving under the water to fix it from below.
DOUBLE-SIDED FIREPLACE
The Club also has cosy, snug spaces inside, designed for unwinding alone or with friends. One such space boasts a statement double-sided fireplace surrounded by deep and luxurious seating and tables. To elevate the fireplace and contrast with the large-format, natural stone wall tiles, Winthill hand-picked sheets of raw steel selecting those with striking heat tint colouration to create a 4-metre high chimney feature, above and below the fire. Each sheet is orientated, so together they achieve the best effect. Recessed shelving to the left of the fireplace is lined with the same raw steel and provides practical log storage and a dramatic backdrop.
Daylesford Farm is an extremely popular visitor destination and signage is vital for a positive visitor experience. Winthill created two Corten steel light box signs laser cut with The Club logo to act as silent guides, providing clear wayfinding from the car park and reinforcing brand awareness at the entrance to The Club.
For safety and easy access, Winthill also fabricated and installed internal handrails made from raw mild steel with a waxed finish. Outside, galvanised mild steel rails with stainless tension wire delineate and divide spaces around the outdoor facilities. Other details supplied by Winthill Engineering include custom-made stools and benches, and a new drainage grate for the indoor pool. By changing the orientation of the drainage slots, the design maximises water capture and helps mitigate the risk of poolside slips.
www.winthill.co.uk