Project Overview
Nestled in the tranquil village of Stapleford, Cambridge, Strawberry Fields is a distinguished residential wellness retreat for the over 60s, meticulously crafted in partnership with Bennett Construction. This refined installation, housed within Block A of the development, showcases Guncast’s signature blend of technical excellence and aesthetic sophistication. The project comprises a 12-metre indoor swimming pool, a bespoke sauna, and a mosaic-clad steam room, all seamlessly integrated with advanced HVAC and plantroom systems to deliver a serene and luxurious experience.
Indoor Swimming Pool
At the heart of the wellness suite lies a 12 m × 5 m pool, designed with understated elegance and precision. The shell, a robust 200 mm thick structure, features corner steps and is insulated with 100 mm XPS to ensure optimal thermal performance. The water level is subtly recessed 135 mm below the finished floor, enhancing the visual harmony of the space.
Finishes include a proposed palette of natural green mosaic tiles, selected for their calming, earthy tones. A 40 mm coping stone, laid with finesse, frames the pool with a refined edge. Illumination is provided by six warm white pool lights and two step lights, with the option for colour-changing ambience to suit mood and occasion.
Sauna
The sauna, measuring 2.5 m × 2.6 m × 2.2 m, is a sanctuary of warmth and tranquillity. Clad in Scandinavian Spruce SOFTLINE vertical boards, the cabin exudes Nordic charm and craftsmanship. Lighting is thoughtfully arranged with three Luma lamps and two discreet cleaning lights beneath the benches. An emergency button, integrated with the building’s alarm system, ensures safety without compromising design integrity. All controls and power distribution are housed within the plantroom, maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
Steam Room
Echoing the sauna’s elegance, the steam room spans 2.55 m × 2.55 m × 2.2 m and is finished in mosaic tiles, with final selections tailored to the client’s vision. Six dimmable ceiling spotlights create a soft, enveloping glow, while two water hoses and an emergency button provide both functionality and peace of mind. The steam generator and control systems are discreetly located in the plantroom, with services routed via a riser through the ground floor slab.
Environmental Control & Ventilation
The HVAC system, designed by Maidenbower, demonstrates thoughtful engineering. A horizontal-format air handling unit (AHU) was selected to accommodate the plantroom’s spatial constraints, delivering supply air via offset floor slot plenums positioned along the east and north glazing. Return air is extracted through a high-level linear bar grille, ensuring balanced airflow and discreet integration.
Fresh and exhaust air rise through a dedicated service cupboard, terminating at external weather louvres on the flat roof. An elegant solution that preserves the architectural purity of the space.
Plantroom & Technical Systems
The plantroom is a hub of innovation and reliability, featuring:
- Twin 50% duty circulation pumps
- Deep bed Astral Artic filters
- ATG UV unit and automatic chemical dosing
- AHU for air and water heating
- Primary LTHW from an air source heat pump (60/50°C flow/return)
Water and air temperatures are maintained at 29°C and 30°C respectively. The site benefits from a 3-phase power supply, with all builders’ work plinths, penetrations, and chemical store ventilation expertly coordinated. Backwash and overflow systems are routed to a 2 m³ sump pit, ensuring efficient and discreet waste management.
Technical Summary
- Pool Dimensions: 12 m × 5 m × 1.2 m
- Sauna Dimensions: 2.5 m × 2.6 m × 2.2 m
- Steam Room Dimensions: 2.55 m × 2.55 m × 2.2 m
- Water Treatment: UV, automatic dosing, Astral filtration
- Heating: Air source heat pump, AHU
- Ventilation: Custom ductwork, slot plenums, linear grille
- Lighting: Pool lights, Luma lamps, dimmable spots
- Emergency Systems: Buttons in sauna and steam room
