The Bide – VELFAC V200E

Architect Scott Lewis of ReFrame Studio designed The Nest, the newest addition to the contemporary rural retreat that is The Bide. The new building blends minimalist design with warmth, craftsmanship, and thoughtful detailing. Central to the project are VELFAC V200E windows, supplied and installed by Westcott Architectural Glazing, which create a seamless connection between the interior and its natural surroundings while delivering high performance and durability.

The retreat was conceived as a calm, uncluttered space that maximises natural light and frames the surrounding trees. A large landscape “picture-frame” window, deliberately fixed, offers uninterrupted views of the woodland, while two smaller operable windows provide ventilation without compromising the clean aesthetic. The glazing is finished externally in a deep blue to complement the navy-stained timber shingles that clad the cabin, while internally, the timber frames add warmth and tactility, balancing the sharp aluminium exterior and reinforcing the sense of intimacy within the space.

Scott chose VELFAC V200E because the system maintains a consistent appearance across fixed and openable windows, ensuring a unified, cohesive elevation. The flexibility to specify different finishes internally and externally allowed him to create the perfect balance between performance and aesthetic. The combination of aluminium and timber provides both durability and a tactile, welcoming interior, perfectly aligned with the retreat’s design philosophy.

He chose Westcott Architectural Glazing because he wanted a company that would take full responsibility for the supply and installation of the windows, while also providing reliable aftercare. As he explained, “We appreciate there is always a degree of settlement in a building, and fine adjustments to doors and windows will be required.” Knowing that Westcott could manage these adjustments gave him confidence that the glazing would continue to perform flawlessly over time, ensuring both durability and ongoing functionality for the retreat.

When asked if the if this particular installation posed any challenges, scott responded with “The retreat’s woodland location presented logistical challenges during installation. With no crane access, large glazing units had to be carefully manoeuvred into place by a coordinated team of installers, assisted by a local farmer using a loadall.” These practical challenges highlighted the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and careful planning — qualities that are reflected in Scott’s approach to both design and construction.

For Scott, architecture has always been about craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity. Discussing the origins of The Bide in an interview for Elle Decoration Magazine, he said, “It was during a trip to Berlin, when we visited the Bauhaus Archive , that we saw a number of creatives had designed and built a series of tiny houses all constructed on 2.5-metre by 6-metre trailer bases. We were totally inspired by how each designer had approached the challenge of working with such a small footprint and that the results were so unique. When we returned from our holiday it was an idea that we kept coming back to.” This experience sparked his exploration of how thoughtful, high-quality design could be applied to retreats within natural landscapes. At The Bide, that philosophy is expressed through a careful balance of materials, meticulous detailing, and a strong connection between the interior and its surroundings. To read the full feature in Elle Decoration, click here.

The Nest is the newest cabin at The Bide, complementing the original structure known as The Bothy. Whilst the structures are distinct and have they different setting they are both thoughtfully designed spaces incorporating the feature picture windows, king size beds, pizza ovens, projector screen and outdoor bathing. For the best available rates, bookings are encouraged to be made directly at www.thebide.com. 

The Bide has also received wide recognition for its innovative design and thoughtful execution. The project has been featured in a number of prominent publications, including Living ETC , The Telegraph, Time Out, Icon Architecture, Wallpaper*, and the AJ Buildings Library. It has also appeared in The Times and Inews, further cementing its status as a standout example of contemporary, small-scale architecture.