Pod Space were delighted to be approached by the Calvert Kielder Trust, who were seeking a luxury lodge manufacturer to expand their current offering of wooden chalets with hot tubs. The brief was to design and install a prefabricated cabin that would complement the existing log cabins on site while introducing a contemporary, architectural feel. A modular building design provided the ideal solution, making Pod Space the natural choice.
Nestled within the breathtaking wilderness of Kielder Water & Forest Park, the site provides the perfect base for the Calvert Trust to add new holiday accommodation. As part of its mission, the Trust hosts families and individuals with additional needs, so accessibility and free movement throughout the space—including full wheelchair access—were critical considerations. The Trust specified a one-bedroom layout, a functional kitchen, ample storage, and seamless links to the outdoors. As specialists in luxury holiday lodge design, Pod Space immediately began developing a bespoke solution.
The final design features full-height, large-format glazing to capture the spectacular forest views. Externally, natural Siberian Larch cladding is paired with contemporary aluminium trims, creating a striking, modern alternative to the traditional log cabin.
Inside, an open-plan layout enhances the modern aesthetic, while an accessible shower room ensures the space is fully inclusive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing floods the interior with natural light, and glazed doors open to the outdoors on three sides. Smooth white walls and a light-toned kitchen with an eye-level window overlooking the forest blur the boundaries between inside and outside living.
For year-round comfort and sustainability, Pod Space installed air-source heat pumps to efficiently heat and cool both the living and bedroom areas.
The site’s remote location presented logistical challenges, accessible only by smaller forest track vehicles. A modular building design proved essential: Pod Space engineered a panelised construction system, enabling environmentally sensitive delivery of bulk components and efficient on-site assembly. The result is a building that combines precision-engineered practicality with architectural flair.
Now named The Bradbury Stargazer, the building has been in use as a luxury holiday lodge for several years. Guests can enjoy the ultimate experience of wooden chalets with hot tubs, gazing at the star-filled skies from the Jacuzzi, or relaxing on the exterior decking while immersed in the surrounding forest.
The Stargazer is a testament to Pod Space’s ability to innovate. By using prefabricated cabins built to exacting standards, we ensure durability, sustainability, and efficiency in even the most challenging environments. This project demonstrates how thoughtful modular building design can deliver a contemporary, sustainable sanctuary where luxury and nature exist in perfect harmony.
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