DESIGNING A NEW COMMUNITY HUB

Studio BAD have submitted designs for a design competition to create a new Community Centre for the village of Elsenham, located in north east Essex. The design premise creates a contemporary building which offers flexible space internally to support all community needs, with a design that maximises the views across the rural sports field site.

In planning, the existing car park would be relocated to be placed next to the adjacent residential area, maintaining the views and privacy for those dwellings. The new building would then be situated by the sports ground, with a café element placed on the road side to encourage visitors into the building.

Designed with a striking split roof form, to help break down the massing, with the higher pitch orientated towards the fields to allow for generous, high-quality glazing to draw in natural light and views. Internally, the main area would enjoy a double height space, giving a generous sense of drama to the interior.

Externally the building is wrapped by external terrace area, creating a covered area and natural seating space. The materials would be carefully chosen to select robust and high-quality materials, such as textured brick or timber, with the roof created in metal and to include photovoltaics as part of the mechanical and electrical strategy.