Project: Luxury Home Spa & Outdoor Retreat
Spa & BBQ buildings, Architecture & Interior Design by: Studio Anqet
Lighting Design: Studio Anqet
Landscape & Planting Design: Studio Anqet
Property value: 4 million.
Project value: 1.5 million
Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Photo credits: Ray Main
Luxury designers Studio Anqet have reimagined a contemporary countryside residence, transforming it into a serene haven for a dynamic and sociable family. The ambitious project includes a lavish spa building, a spacious BBQ area complete with an indoor-outdoor living terrace, a sizable swimming pool and biophilic landscape design. These elements have created a luxury wellness retreat right within the confines of the family home.
Located in Much Hadham, the property with sprawling grounds presented a unique opportunity to merge the client’s passion for luxury living, wellness, and sustainability. Drawing on the contemporary architecture of the home, the additional buildings feature elements such as expansive wall-to-wall glazing and ambient lighting. These design choices not only harmonise with the main residence but also seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings. Inspired by the homeowner’s background in scientific research and his dedication to making the world a better place, Studio Anqet has crafted a design that not only embodies lavish leisure facilities but also promotes holistic wellbeing.
The landscaping and leisure areas surrounding the property were meticulously crafted to serve as a sanctuary for the family. From the expansive swimming pool featuring a distinctive central planter, to the BBQ area complete with a fully equipped kitchen and custom sunken seating zones, each area was introduced to elevate the experience. Both communal gathering spaces and secluded corners were seamlessly integrated to evoke moments of connection or privacy.
At the heart of the outdoor space stands a striking sculpture crafted from polished bronze, aluminium and steel by esteemed artist Lorenzo Quinn. This captivating artwork is visible from the pool and all the glazed outdoor buildings. Wellness amenities feature an outdoor hot tub, a cedar wood sauna adorned with a Himalayan salt wall, indoor and outdoor showers, and an array of massage features, including a soothing foot spa. Each area is designed to indulge relaxation and evoke mental harmony through multiple sensory experiences.
A selection of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies were also prioritised for the project. From ethically sourced stone tiles to composite wood decking made from sustainable materials, every aspect of the project reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact while retaining the luxurious lifestyle of the client.
Standout Features:
Lorenzo Quinn Sculpture: A highlight of the project is the inclusion of a stunning sculpture by renowned artist Lorenzo Quinn by the swimming pool, set as the central focus of outdoor area, and visible from all the glazed outdoor buildings, more info.
Himalayan Salt Wall: Integral to the sauna design, the Himalayan salt wall not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers numerous health benefits, including stress reduction and immune system support.
Cedar Wood Sauna: The use of sustainably sourced cedar wood in the sauna enhances the sensory experience, evoking the feeling of being outdoors in a Scandinavian Forest. Combined with the soothing aroma of eucalyptus oil, the sauna provides a multisensory journey to relaxation.
External Lighting Innovations: Studio Anqet used of Lucande Habsa LED path lights and feather lights from Catellani & Smith to create dramatic lighting effects and enhance the ambiance of the outdoor space.
Sustainable Design:
The criteria for selecting materials are the following: sustainability, recyclability, and energy efficiency. The Silver Quartz (Honed) water feature tile from Island Stone is a stone that is ethically harvested. The composite wood decking from Millboard is a sustainable material made from recycled wood and plastic. It has a longer lifespan than wood and requires no annual chemical treatment. Using this material reduces waste and can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. The lighting used for the landscaping is low-wattage LED lamps which are efficient, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Due to the energy demands of the swimming pool and hot tub, an air source heat pump has been installed to power the required pumps as well as 45 solar panels to reduce energy costs and help reduce the CO2 output of these facilities. The solar panels produce an annual output of approximately 3,500kW per year.
