Collieston Community Centre, Aberdeenshire

Collieston is a unique place, surrounded by spectacular natural land and sea-scapes, and characterised by a settlement pattern which is relatively unchanged since the late 19th century. Such a distinct identity contributes significantly to its popularity as a place to both live and visit. However, the balance between the built and the natural environment which makes Collieston unique is fragile. Foremost in our approach to the design of the new Community Centre is to respect and to respond positively to the history, beauty, scale and landscape setting of Collieston. At the same time the project must fully realise its potential to create a 21st century place, appropriate both to its role as a social hub for the community and as a sustainable social enterprise.

The Community Centre is planned around a central, double-height, Entrance Hall which provides access to all other significant spaces. The entrance hall is also fundamental to the realisation of a flexible building. As well as providing access, it also ensures that each of the rooms can function either independently or in a combined manner.

Client: Collieston and Slains Community Trust

Cost: £1.1 million

Area: 850 sqm

Status: Invited Competition

The varying scales of these rooms ensures that an appropriate space is available for all foreseen uses, including performance, ceilidhs, weddings, sport, meetings and exhibition. Adjacent external spaces further increase potential usage.

The form of the building defines a series of sheltered external courts, gardens and terraces which act as a transition between the building interior and the natural landscape beyond. Each external space is designed individually and responds to the nature of the adjacent internal spaces, as well as to orientation and views available.

Our proposal has been designed to be a Zero Energy Building (ie. it will have a net zero energy consumption over a typical year). To achieve this, a series of integrated strategies will be employed.