Praa Sands

Client:Haulfryn Group

Location: Penzance, Cornwall

As a further investment in its holiday locations, residential and holiday park specialist, the Haulfryn Group decided to extend and refurbish the clubhouse at Praa Sands to include a health and leisure complex. The brief was to build a facility to house an entertainment room, bar and restaurant, swimming pool, steam room, spa, sauna and a fully equipped fitness suite. The Group's directors were clear that it should be highly sustainable, creatively designed and meet the needs of its holiday home owners. With Pinelog's technical and regulatory assistance, the planning process ran smoothly and consent was obtained on this sensitive site, and the project was completed in some 20 weeks.

The single storey 1000 sqm facility is planned around two large open spaces, an entertainment room/restaurant facing south to take advantage of views over the sea, and a swimming pool with children's pool and spa. The main structural component is the timber glulam frame manufactured from renewable sources and formed into exposed columns and roof beams which span the two main spaces.

An island reception desk connects the functions of the building and allows staff to monitor the movement of uses at all times. Double entry doors from the entertainment room/restaurant open directly on to a sun terrace with views over the sea. A gymnasium overlooks the pool, and contains the latest running, step and rowing machines.

Delivered on time and on budget, feedback from the client has been universally positive. With excellent thermal and acoustic qualities, natural light and ventilation, the extensive use of timber inside and out creates a warm ambiance.