Fort William’s Lifelong retreat is a convivial vision, an urban response of interconnectivity, a hub which unites local substantial timber forestry with socialising tourism, creating a civic encounter, synergising the eco-social stability and growth of the area. The curtain wall envelopes the building symbolising and reflecting the contours of the landscape. Functional perforations filter natural light into internal spaces, symbolic of a personal renaissance and cultural external development.

The concept focuses upon immersing the visitor emotionally into the environment. The interconnection catalyst is ‘water’, a physical cleansing mechanism provoking an aesthetic engagement with the beauty of the awe inspiring surrounding landscape, promoting personal mental well-being. By instigating personal reflections via the pool and sauna, the aim is to induce behavioural changes, fostering conservatism and a love for the landscape. The pavilion hosts a personal instrumental value, a spiritual encounter, a provision of shelter. Water nurtures an observatory response to go beyond the self.