Roger Langham – the man behind Pinelog’s groundbreaking designs

Pinelog has long been recognised as a pioneer in the field of timber lodge designs and it is in no small part down to Roger Langham, the company’s resident architect.

“Fifteen years ago, we launched the Horizon lodge at the Cottingham parks Lodge and Caravan Show. It had a mono pitched roof, triangle glazing and long horizontal windows. It was like nothing else on the market at the time and caught everyone’s attention and transformed lodge design in the industry,” said Roger.

The Horizon lodge has since been distilled into Pinelog’s popular Glade range and can be found on holiday parks throughout the UK.

Roger’s career in architecture began 50 years ago working for local authorities. Feeling constrained, he took the brave decision to set up his own architectural practice just three years after qualifying.

Pinelog is unique in having its own architect and it all started in 1997, when Roger responded to a Pinelog advert looking for an inhouse architect.

“Joining Pinelog was initially intended to be a short career sidestep but I soon discovered that timber construction gave me the opportunity to wildly use my imagination,” said Roger.

Roger’s designs aren’t just limited to lodges. He has designed a number of Pinelog’s own commercial buildings, including the Evolution Health & Fitness Centre and indoor play centre, Little Monkeys, at Darwin Forest Country Park. “I made the building fit around the play equipment, putting different shapes of geometric windows at the same level as the slides, nets, ropes and trampolines,” he explained.

“With timber it’s possible to add curved roofs and facades to commercial buildings. Using timber and Glulam beams has allowed my design flair to come through. I can really challenge myself and our construction teams. I want my designs to make people think. It is the reason I got into architecture in the first place.”

The list of owners of buildings constructed by Pinelog, reads like a Debrett’s Who’s Who and includes pop stars, musicians and TV personalities. Five commercial timber projects have also been opened by various senior members of the royal family.

Roger has recently completed new design options for the lodges in the Pinelog range. “I always design the lodges with re-sale in mind, particularly when it comes to holiday parks. I want our lodges to look as good and perform as well 10, 20, 30 years down the line as they do now. Longevity is key to our designs,” he said.

The design principles Roger uses for Pinelog’s buildings are the same he uses for his own properties. He has a passion for sustainable design. His own house, which sits nestled in Sherwood Forest, has a timber frame and he has personally made all the windows and doors. In his garden he has added an office and a music studio, all built from timber of course.

What started as a 12-month sidestep for Roger, has turned into a career spanning nearly 30 years with Pinelog; one which has seen him expand the company’s range of lodges and create some truly inspiring and memorable commercial structures.

“If I couldn’t design with the freedom I have at Pinelog I have no doubt that I would have retired a long time ago. I’ve met some incredibly interesting people and work with a great team of colleagues. It’s been a challenging, rewarding, and varied 27 years. Designing buildings similar to those at Pinelog is the reason I got into architecture in the first place.”

To find out more how Pinelog’s beautiful new and pre-owned lodges, designed by Roger and the lodge team, can help add value your holiday park or create additional living space, speak to our sales team on 01246 942842 or visit here.