Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Living: Why It Matters More Than Ever
At Pinelog we craft luxury timber lodges that are designed to make people feel connected to the surrounding natural landscapes in which they are sited.
Use of natural materials, panoramic windows and verandas, all help bring the outside in. This connection to nature not only looks great but also supports wellbeing in the lodge’s residents.
A 2024 study by King’s College London and the NIHR found that people experience greater improvements in mood and wellbeing when they spend time in biodiverse natural environments with trees, birdsong, and greenery.
Time spent in nature, whether that’s a natural building or outdoors, all contributes to feelings of relaxation; the aim of any holiday!
That’s why we design every Pinelog lodge to bring the outside in but also ensure they remain energy efficient.
Framing Nature with Glazing
Expansive glazing, ranging from panoramic windows to glazed gables and sliding doors, ensures interiors are flooded with natural light and provide uninterrupted views. These features not only elevate the living experience but also enhance mental wellbeing through constant exposure to green space and nature.
Double glazed units not only retain heat in winter but control solar gain in summer, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. Well-placed glazing can reduce lighting and heating needs while allowing an instant connection to the outdoors.
Verandas: Outdoor Living, Elevated
A lodge isn’t complete without grounded outdoor space. Full-length verandas extend the living area, providing an entertaining spot, dining area, or space for BBQs or hot tubs. The use of sheltered areas can help to create outdoor ‘rooms’ to bring versatility and ensure that the outside space can be usable in all weather.
Architectural glazing combined with verandas allows visual continuity from inside to out and creates flexible living space that shifts seamlessly between relaxation and social life.
The Health Benefits of Viewing and Being in Nature
Modern living keeps us indoors, often 90% of our time. Yet research is clear: spending time exposed to nature uplifts mood, reduces stress, and supports sleep, creativity, and wellbeing.
People in greener environments consistently enjoy better mental health outcomes. A UK study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that greener, more natural surroundings, near parks, canals, forests, or beaches, are linked to a significantly lower risk of anxiety and depression.
And you don’t need hours in the outdoors to reap the benefits. Just being around nature, even for short periods, can lower stress, improve cognition, and boost mood (source: Health Research).
Designing lodges that encourage outdoor living is not only practical, it is relevant and aligned with what people are now seeking from their holidays and leisure time.
Design for All: Accessibility and Year-Round Use
Importantly, Pinelog’s lodge designs are accessible. They can be adapted for use by every guest with the addition of ramps, wider than average doors, and accessible one level outdoor spaces and bathrooms, enabling everyone to enjoy the benefits of being together with family and friends in nature.
Bringing It All Together
- Strategically glazed living areas pull daylight in and offer endless views
- Verandas extend the indoor living space beyond the lodge – perfect for dining, relaxing, or soaking up fresh air
- Wellbeing-driven design supports guests’ emotional and physical health
- Practical detailing like accessibility and weather protection, enable Pinelog lodges to be welcoming and usable year-round
Today’s lodge guests don’t just want a place to stay, they want a place to breathe, connect, and thrive. At Pinelog, that vision comes to life through architectural glazing, comfortable outdoor spaces, and designs that invite nature to be a part of everyday living.
If you’re ready to give your guests or experience a holiday retreat that truly reconnects you with nature, explore our range of Pinelog lodges and discover how thoughtful design, expansive glazing, and inviting outdoor spaces can transform a stay or break away. Whether it’s a tranquil retreat, a family getaway, or a space to simply breathe and recharge, our lodges are designed to bring the outside in and support wellbeing all year round.
Get in touch today on 01246 942 842 or contact us here.
