We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Habitat First Group, a family-run development company dedicated to building luxury holiday home communities that embrace sustainability and a deep respect for nature. Focused on creating comfortable, eco-friendly spaces for families, Habitat First Group integrates excellence in architecture, interior design, top-tier amenities, and security to offer a beautiful, responsible getaway. The group comprises a diverse array of businesses and estates, including Lower Mill Estate in Cirencester and Silverlake in Dorset, both situated around stunning lakes. The group also includes Habitat Escapes (the holiday rental side of the business), Ballihoo (an on-site restaurant), and Activity Hub (the activity arm for both sites).
Our work with Habitat First Group has spanned these businesses, involving a range of creative projects that highlight both the unique character of each estate and the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Creative Collaboration Across Projects
One of our earliest projects was to work alongside their in-house designer to prepare the sites for reopening after COVID-19 closures. We were tasked with redesigning all signage and informational posters for both estates. This included signs that shared updates on site activities, showcased the local wildlife, and outlined health and safety protocols. These designs were vibrant, family-friendly, and easy to understand, especially for young children.
When the sites reopened, our focus shifted to crafting sales brochures and booklets for the newly constructed holiday properties. Each piece was designed to reflect the luxury and bespoke nature of these homes, appealing to prospective buyers looking for an upmarket experience. This was an ongoing project, with new materials created weekly for each estate.
As summer came to an end, we took on the responsibility of designing regular newsletters to keep both staff and homeowners updated on events, nature happenings, and staff news across the two estates. Each newsletter was tailored to the branding of its respective site and often used an infographic approach to break down information into visually engaging segments.
Seasonal Menus, Events, and More
With each season, we created new menus for Ballihoo, the on-site restaurant, opting for a minimalistic and sophisticated look. We further developed this style when designing a special menu for a fine dining event, emphasizing imagery to showcase the dishes in an appealing way.
Additionally, we worked on packaging for pizza boxes and food bags to support the restaurant’s new pizza oven and chef. These designs incorporated illustrations of local insects found near the lakes, adding a unique, site-specific touch.
When COVID-19 regulations eased, we launched a series of high-end advertisements for both national and local publications to encourage families to visit the sites again. We also created promotional flyers for new site activities, such as coracle safaris and outdoor yoga. These flyers combined professional photography with our own illustrations, capturing the unique experiences offered on-site.
Additional Design Support
Over the years, we’ve contributed to various other creative projects, including preparing the signage for Lower Mill Estate’s Activity Hub, some stenciled paneling for Ballihoo, feather flags for the Activity Hub, and a blackboard display for weekly events. We also assisted in designing eco-friendly packaging for a new washing-up liquid that aligns with Habitat First’s dedication to sustainability - it’s safe for the environment and 100% recyclable.
© Habitat First Group, Silverlake & Lower Mill Estate
Each project with Habitat First Group is a fresh, exciting opportunity to get creative and explore new design approaches. We look forward to continuing this partnership and seeing the sites evolve over the coming years.
