Funded by the National Trust and Sport England, Fell Foot Active
Base will be at the heart of the Windermere community and the
multifunctional space will be the first location to be shared by
the area’s sailing, rowing and swimming clubs. Simultaneously
utilitarian and imaginative, the design of the space aims to unlock
once redundant spaces, the promenade terrace is treated as an
additional room and provides a versatile and welcoming location
for locals, day trippers, walkers and picnickers to enjoy the stunning
views of Lake Windermere.
The centre is spatially unobtrusive and has been raised to avoid
flooding without obstructing the panoramic views surrounding the
property. Aesthetically, the development merges seamlessly with
the landscape through a simple palette of self-coloured materials,
such as Kebony Character wood. Used for the deck, cladding and
facades of the clubhouse, Kebony allowed for both consistency in
material and the promotion of environmental responsibility. In the
coming year, the centre expects to attract thousands of visitors, to
which Kebony’s enhanced durability and resistance to wear and
weathering will prove instrumental in maintaining the building’s
original beauty and charm.
Mark Lemanski, Architect at muf architecture/art commented:
“We are all very proud of the Active Base, which has already
become a key part of the community at Lake Windermere.
We responded to the volumes and materiality of the adjacent
listed boathouses, with a harmonious and simultaneously
contemporary appearance, to which the use of Kebony played an
instrumental role.”
Adrian Pye, International Sales Director at Kebony added:
“It’s wonderful to see how Kebony blends with the natural
surroundings at the Fell Foot Active Base. Helping to create a
space which people from all ages and walks of life will enjoy for
years to come fills us with pride, especially due to the stunning
spot the Active Base occupies.”
kebony.com
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an
environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably
sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an
agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the
softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood
including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. In
addition, the smooth nature of the Kebony wood is suitable for
those walking on the decking with bare feet; the wood does not get
too hot making it possible for visitors to stand on during the height
of the summer.
FELL FOOT ACTIVE BASE WILL
BE AT THE HEART OF THE
WINDERMERE COMMUNITY