SIPs Eco-Lodges in Yorkshire Dales Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

SIPS@Clays was commissioned to design, fabricate and install seven rustic eco-lodges at How Stean Gorge, a rural visitor attraction and outdoor activity centre in rural Yorkshire Dales.

With a focus on the energy efficiency, airtight qualities and low carbon footprint that SIPs provides, clients Rebecca and Tony Liddy, needed the lodges to be suitable to ‘sell’ as a product all year round and be of significant quality to ensure that customers have a pleasant experience, no matter what time of year they stay.

The timber clad lodges, which accommodate 4, 6 and 10 people, vary in design but all have a natural, rustic feel to fit nicely with the country setting. All are single storey apart from the 6 bed lodge which has a mezzanine level which is one of Rebecca and Tony’s favourite features.

One of the fabulous design features offered by using a SIPs building system is the double height living space. As there is no need for traditional roof trusses in a SIPs build, it allows for the space to be left open to the eaves, have a ‘room in the roof’ option or, as with the lodge at How Stean Gorge, add a spacious mezzanine level.

Set in an extremely rural part of Nidderdale, which is noted as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the lodges were subject to rigid planning constraints and procedures. However, SIPs were the ideal construction solution to overcome any issues planning constraints.

The off-site method of construction of SIPs means minimal waste, fewer site deliveries and a speedy, predictable build programme, which all result in a low environmental impact build.

With hot tubs and spacious verandas that look out of the stunning views the new eco lodges at How Stean Gorge are a fabulous addition to this popular visitor attraction.