Lanjeth Water Gardens Cafe - Business and Community

Set within 13.5 acres of woodland, wetlands, and more than 130 lakes and ponds, Lanjeth offers a calm and restorative sanctuary just outside St Austell.

Acquired in 2022, the site underwent nearly two years of careful clearing and rediscovery before it could open to visitors. Work continues week by week, with new pathways taking shape, hidden ponds re-emerging, and the natural landscape steadily regenerating.

We were commissioned to design a low-energy building to accommodate workshop spaces, a café, and a flexible events area. Drawing inspiration from the simple, functional forms of the existing greenhouses and barns, the design sits comfortably within its rural context.

The building is oriented to overlook the ponds, strengthening the connection between visitors and the surrounding landscape. A generous overhang shades the south façade and integrates covered bench seating, allowing visitors to sit outdoors and enjoy the views—even in the Cornish rain.