The international architects have designed the ‘medi-spa’ at the 70-hectare Gatton Manor south west of London on behalf of a private investor who acquired the site in 2011.

A health and wellness retreat typically offers an environment in which to improve physical, mental and spiritual health through customised result-oriented programmes for guests with the stunning surrounding countryside as the backdrop.

The concept and design of the scheme has been inspired by the modern medi-spa facilities, popular in continental Europe, that follow modern holistic wellness approaches that focus on prevention versus cure with buildings designed to bring people closer to nature.

“The support buildings of the sports pavilion and the staff accommodation complement the landscape using the same palette of materials inspired by the site’s clay soil and the nearby woodlands but with different architectural approaches.”

The façade is designed to relate to the ancient woodland setting and features copper cladding and fins that are reminiscent of the tree trunks and branches. The upper levels, which contain the guest suites, are grounded by a heavier brick base of the clinical and fitness wing.

As part of the proposals, the land separating medi-spa from the golf course would be remodelled, using excavated ground, so that only the upper floors of the development were visible from the approach drive and to better define the public rights of way which cross the site.

The proposals are due to be considered by Mole Valley District Council in Spring 2017.