WindReach is an accessible facility in Warwick, Bermuda that extends over 4 acres and features a multi-purpose Activity Centre, Petting Zoo and Therapeutic Riding Centre. It’s unique in Bermuda in that it offers therapeutic and educational experiences for people with a variety of physical and intellectual abilities. Today around 200 visitors benefit from their programmes on a weekly basis, ranging from preschool to seniors.
Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, around 1,000 km east of North Carolina. Its character is closer to that of the Caribbean however, due to a subtropical climate and its vibrant culture, shaped by centuries of historical cultural influences. Though the archipelago was uninhabited when it was claimed and named by the Spanish in 1503, it has since gathered clear influences from the Spanish, the Dutch and the English. Today Bermuda is a self-governing British Overseas Territory.
Although usually referred to in the singular, Bermuda is in fact made up of 181 islands with a total land mass of only 20.5 square miles. Bermuda has a population of around 71,000, many who work in insurance related industries. With its climate and stunning beaches, it’s no surprise that Bermuda is a popular destination, and tourism is the island’s second biggest industry.
This melting pot of cultures has fed directly into the architecture across the island, which is where we drew inspiration for our design. Bermuda is within a hurricane zone, so rooflines have minimal overhangs and consideration is always given to the prevailing winds from the South West. There’s also a lovely feature on many buildings, known as ‘Welcoming Arms‘ stairs, which open out as they reach the bottom in a welcoming gesture. There are also some fabulous, crazy sign posts which point to destinations around the world. All of these fired our imaginations and led into our designs for play.
