At the beginning of 2021,we were approached by one of the UK’s most exciting dining experiences, to help enhance their woodland experience. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty near Chalfont St Giles, they use food and nature to reconnect guests with the world around them.

Nomadic Dinners began hosting feasts in May 2018 as a natural alternative to the formulaic dining experience. More than a restaurant without walls or boundaries, Nomadic Dinners is a new way of dining embracing nature and connecting with the world around us, and most importantly each other.

Our concept focused on the canopies around, delivering upon key design parameters:

• Employing natural materials, locally sourced and (where possible) recycled from waste material.

• Working with tensile structure/freeform canopies rather than rigid structures was preferred and agreed from an early stage.

• Using the natural environment as a primary structure. The trees, fallen branches and earth were to provide all the anchorage points for the shelters. No concrete, steel or foundations.

• We didn’t want to restrict the view of the sky on clear nights, but also wanted to make sure there was sufficient rain cover for the nights the sky was a little more active.

• Opposing high and low points were to add drama, while providing natural rainwater run off for the covers.

After an initial survey, we undertook an interactive design process that analysed the number, size and distribution of canopy options for the 4 different tables. Each had a different set of design parameters. Tall, lower, closely nit or widespread, each posed a different and individual puzzle that reflected the unique nature of the site.

The result was a series of beautiful tensile canopies, with recycled sails and bespoke rigging, blend seamlessly into the woodland setting, uniquely sculpted to merge into the area of outstanding natural beauty of the Chilterns.

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