Great Coates, UK,
2012 - 2015
Local Community Centre
RIBA Award Winner
Introduction
JHA was approached by a local community trust looking to build a community centre that stood out, that drew people in and provided a special experience. Wanting to offer a flexible space for meeting, playing, talking and more, the building also holds functionary and ancillary spaces to meet the needs of its users, while being a place of solace and contemplation throughout the seasons.
Project
Responding to its setting, the building take a rectangular form with a vaulted roof. Entering at one end of the building, the occupant passes through a narrow corridor, catching glimpses of ancilliary and functionary spaces, before arriving at the main space of exhibition. This vaulted room sensitively plays with light and dark through fenestrations atop the building, windows with deep reveals and internal wall cladding to draw the eye.
Community Solace
Drawing reference from local churches and spaces of contemplation, the main space of the building draws a quiet strength, responding to the conditions of natural and artificial light. Long, hanging lanterns bring the eye down, while the following up reveals the large window atop the structure and hidden from view externally. Cave like when dark, almost ephemeral when lit, the main space responds to the needs of the user and offers shelter for activity.