Lost Shore Surf Resort
Client
Lost Shore Surf Resort
Project location
Ratho, United Kingdom
Project date
2024
Surfs Up:
Shaping Scotland's First Inland Surf Resort with Smart Lighting
Scotland's Landmark Surf Destination
Located in Ratho, just 25 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, Lost Shore is the world's first inland surf resort and home to Europe's largest wave pool. The lagoon, three times the size of the Wembley football pitch, generates up to 1,000 waves per hour, creating an unparalleled experience for surfers of all abilities. Beyond the water, the resort features luxury accommodation, a waterfront bar and restaurant, a surf school, and wellness facilities, establishing itself as a major attraction for surfers and visitors alike. Lighting played a sensitive role in shaping the resort's identity. It needed to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings, complement the resort's striking architecture, and create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Engaged by landscape architect HarrisonStevens, Thorn Lighting's solutions were carefully chosen to achieve this vision, ensuring a seamless blend of performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Addressing Challenges with Precision Lighting
Lost Shore's proximity to Edinburgh Airport posed a significant challenge in terms of light control. The design had to carefully prevent any upward light spill which could interfere with flight paths while ensuring effective, safe illumination across the resort. Similarly, the lighting design needed to respect the site's woodland setting, again preserving the night sky while enhancing key architectural and landscape elements.
A Thoughtful Lighting Design
Thorn Lighting implemented a tailored scheme that enhances the built environment and natural surroundings to meet these challenges. Caelon S RGBW Bluetooth spotlights were selected to illuminate the dramatic cliff faces bordering the lagoon. Typically used for bridge and façade lighting, these luminaires were specified to highlight the rugged rock formations, creating an impressive yet controlled effect. Their tight optical control ensures precise lighting while minimising glare—an essential consideration for night surfers.
Urba lanterns (IDA Dark Sky Approved, 3000K) were installed in the car parks and arrival areas. These luminaires provide high-quality urban lighting while reducing light pollution, supporting the resort's commitment to sustainability. Designed by Wilmotte & Industries, the Urba lanterns ensure a sophisticated yet understated presence that guides visitors safely through the space.
Contrast floodlights on multi-head columns throughout the resort offer flexible, Bluetooth controlled illumination, allowing different lighting scenes to be created for various events and activities. This adaptability ensures that the resort remains visually dynamic, with the lighting enhancing the overall atmosphere while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Enhancing Visitor Experience
with Smart, Sustainable Lighting
A balance of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability drove the selection of Thorn's luminaires. The ability to adjust lighting intensity and colour via Bluetooth ensures that different areas of the resort can be tailored to specific activities, from vibrant event lighting to more subtle ambient settings. This adaptability contributes to the resort's distinctive identity while reducing energy consumption and minimising environmental impact.
Debbie Harrison, Associate Director at HarrisonStevens, commented: "Lighting the Lost Shore Surf Resort was both exciting and challenging. Its proximity to Edinburgh airport and situation within a country park setting were the key factors which informed the lighting solutions. The resulting design is compliant and respectful of its surroundings. Thorn worked with our brief, the client’s budget and the design team requirements to create an atmospheric and sustainable scheme.”
A Resort Built to Inspire
As the first inland surf resort of its kind, Lost Shore is set to become a major tourism and sporting destination. Thorn Lighting's innovative solutions have played a key role in realising this vision, ensuring that the lighting not only enhances the resort's features but also supports its long-term sustainability goals. With recognition from the Architectural Excellence Award (Public Use) 2025, Lost Shore is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, proving that lighting can shape experiences, define spaces, and create an unforgettable sense of place.