A HUB FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY IN THE CITY

We have submitted planning for a new Girl Guide Meeting Hall in the Portswood area of central Southampton, Hampshire. The scheme will create a new hub for the local Guides Association to promote outdoor based actives for young people in the city, on the site of a previously demolished hall.

Built primarily in timber with glazed sliding doors, the simple structure is divided into two key elements – roof and deck. The main hall is placed under an asymmetric butterfly style roof, designed to maximise the feeling of space within whilst sensitively tucking under the existing tree canopy. A floating roof will extend out over a decked area, offering an outdoor space with protection from the elements. At the rear of the building the decking will curve around a fire pit, creating auditorium style seating as a natural gathering space for outside learning and social events.

The timber framed building touches the earth lightly, sitting on screw piles to minimise the impact on the ecology of the site and reduce root disturbance for the surrounding mature trees. The design of the new hall will create a high-quality building which is low cost to run and maintain, creating a flexible community asset that is attractive and also a joyful place to promote outdoor activities within the city.