Cool and contemporary lodges and cabins might be more often associated with executive apartments, city hotels, or ‘Grand Designs’, but it also has a valid place in a glamping or alternative accommodation development.
Reasons to Embrace Contemporary Lodge Designs
Contemporary structures remain an under-utilised option in the alternative accommodation sector, especially glamping, right now with untapped potential, they create an extraordinary experience for guests and are an effective way to differentiate a business in an increasingly competitive market. Creating a unique, contemporary glamping offer is a bold (maybe even brave) move, but it produces a particularly strong unique selling point.
Perhaps due to their rarity and the demographic they attract, contemporary designs can command higher rental fees and enjoy better occupancy rates, although obviously caveats around ‘variables’ apply. Also, some designs are so timeless they don’t date like others, so over time all that might be required is a periodic interior refurbishment, or the review or a service or activity. They're also particularly suited to hotels and golf courses, up-scaling accommodation capacity at a fraction of the cost of a traditional extension or building.
Leading Edge Structures
Developments in the ‘tiny home’, ancillary domestic accommodation, and glamping have created new markets worldwide for small scale, contemporary structures. In response, build companies have stepped up to the mark by creating innovative designs, so whist geodesic domes are possibly the best known contemporary glamping structure, there are plenty more to choose from. Companies like us who specialise in creating original designs can add an extra 'edge' in this sector because contemporary glamping really comes into its own when we go bespoke.
With their clean lines and unfussy interiors, contemporary structures are in stark contrast to most traditional glamping styles, and can be an exciting accommodation option. We say ‘exciting’ with genuine enthusiasm, because the setting of an ultra-modern structure within an untamed landscape is breath-taking.
For example, take Carwyn's Dragon's Eye cabin with its illuminated interior shining out from a darkened, dramatic Snowdonia landscape. Where else could we experience such an incredibly designed space, and comfort, within such a wild, rugged location?
Business Boundaries
When creating a particularly unusual accommodation, a crucial decision is how far we can push those boundaries whilst still creating a commercially successful business and when it comes to ‘contemporary’, the answer seems to be quite a way. Even so, there are several variables that can influence success, so it's important to evaluate if ‘contemporary’ suits the destination and guest profile, having said that, this design style seems to be something that guests will travel for, if it really appeals to them.
Overall, contemporary alternative accomodations and glamping has a lot to offer, to guests, the industry, and business owners alike. It provides a unique way for guests to experience ‘the great outdoors’, and who knows, might even encourage those who would never consider such a holiday, to give it a try. It creates new, unique and exciting structures and push the boundaries of innovation. Last, but not least, it provides interesting and profitable businesses for those who have the location, budget and initiative to create such developments.