Curves in abundance

Tuesday, 03 April 2009

When we started this project one of the desires of the shareholders was that what ever was to be built should hunker down into the landscape, disappear below the skyline and not be seen as "boxy". I think it is fair to say that the building which is emerging is never going to be called "boxy" and is definitely hunkered down into the landscape. In fact, it has curves in abundance and this really is starting to make for a very pretty building. But why are curves so appropriate to the design of this building? If the architectural design of The Scarlet has a theme it seems to me it is the way the building reflects nature and the natural curves all around us. In these parts, nature doesn't do straight or flat or angular. We are blessed with the curvature of the horizon, the curve of the bay and the curl of the wave. ‘Berryl's Point', the headland on which our gaze is focused, dips down and the fields on this headland are shaped to suit the landscape. Curves are at the heart of this building. As you drive down the hill towards the bay, you cannot but help to notice the four curved ‘turrets', which are in fact the lounging space created for our Unique rooms, accessible via a spiral staircase. Driving down Tredragon Road you will also notice that the roof on this elevation is wavy, not just curved. Within the building, the corridors curve to an extent that ensures you cannot see from one end to another. Long, straight hotel bedroom corridors tend to be so boring!! In some of the bedrooms, the walls are curved, some of the showers are in circular pods and the changing cubicles in the spa are inspired by a snails shell. The whole building is crescent shaped and as a consequence each bedroom has a slightly different focus for its view. All of this has of course created some difficulties when it comes to construction. Timber tends to come in straight pieces as does pre-cast concrete but despite this the building is very sensual. Already it asks you to stand and admire, for your eyes to feast on the sculptural feel that all these curves evoke. If the reaction of those people who have seen this building at close quarters is anything to go by, it will be a building which pleases people and given what we wanted to achieve at the outset, this is very satisfying.
Simon Baldwin, Development Director

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