Hogs Head Waterville
The Hogs Head Lodge, Cottages and Clubhouse stands as a truly unique destination along the Kerry coast.
Completed in 2019, this exceptional project encompasses an array of distinct structures, including a 48-bedroom boutique lodge and spa, five four-bedroom cottages, and a golf clubhouse. Nestled within a narrow piece of land between Skellig Bay and Lough Currane, just a short distance from Waterville in County Kerry, this site boasts an extraordinary harmony with its natural surroundings. The lodge and cottages are characterized by their unassuming, organic architectural forms, subtly integrated into the landscape.
The lodge, spanning three stories, gracefully melds into the topography, while the five adjacent cottages create a picturesque cluster. Careful attention to geometry ensures that each of the 48 bedrooms, the bar/restaurant, and the spa offer breathtaking vistas of the adjacent lake and the encompassing mountainous terrain. The buildings' design and materials embrace the local and natural, further intertwining them with the site. This connection continues seamlessly into the interior of both the lodge and the cottages. The nearby clubhouse which was the first phase of the project, crafted to provide comfort, uniqueness, and luxury that befits the extraordinary context.
The client's interior design brief was clear: imbue all areas with an opulent ambiance that reflects their distinctive character, brand, and expected clientele. Working in close collaboration with the client and their in-house interior designer, Robert Rizzo, this vision was brought to life.
The foundation of the design aesthetic was rooted in the incorporation of locally sourced materials that were utilized externally. This theme continued indoors with the addition of elements such as blackened brass and rich timber in the joinery, culminating in a transitional style with subtle industrial nuances.
The emphasis on detail was unwavering, given that the entire project was tailor-made to meet the client's exacting specifications and their quest for unparalleled luxury. This necessitated exhaustive design sessions with specialist subcontractors to achieve the desired level of excellence. The remote location of the site presented logistical challenges during the project, including material deliveries and travel for contractors. Nonetheless, the project engaged the services of the finest contractors in their respective fields, and the final outcome speaks to their expertise.
The design team demonstrated a steadfast commitment to sustainability, incorporating green principles into the project's core. These principles included low embodied energy through the use of locally sourced natural materials, thoughtful building orientation to minimize heat loads, the incorporation of material thermal mass, and an efficient building services design. In recognition of these sustainable mechanical and electrical design features, the project received the 'National Award for Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Project of The Year.'
