Designed as part of a new visitor centre at Ham Hill Country Park for Somerset Council, the Lime Kiln café concept deepens visitors’ connection to the surrounding landscape, ecology and cultural history through material-led, sensory design.

 

The design is deeply anchored in the rich heritage of Ham Hill from its undulating quarry heap terrain and layered views, to relaxing in the wildflower meadows on an August afternoon. Dried flowers collected from the meadows are imprinted into the clay walls hinting at the Jurassic era fossilisation within the ham stone underground. Scrap timber from the build process became shingles cladding the servery counter and bespoke tables and benches offers modern day comfort whilst referencing primitive craft and roundhouse construction from the site of UK's largest Iron Age hill fort.

 

By using natural, tactile and locally sourced finishes throughout; the cafe is a continuation of the landscape in which it sits. A place where the exploration and sensory journey of nature continues nurturing focus, connection, and wellbeing at every touchpoint.

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​​​​The interior finishes work hard to provide a safe and accessible space for all, welcoming muddy dogs and boots, pushchairs, wheelchairs alike. The sensory overwhelm and underwhelm of a bustling cafe is managed through a restrained palette balanced with textural and pattern complexity, glare free lighting, seating choices and careful attention to acoustic performance.

 

The fit out prioritises low-toxin materials for the wellbeing of all users, alongside positive social and environmental impact materials throughout the supply chain, selected also for their durability and circularity at the end of their usable life.