The new Community Hall was to cater primarily for drama & musical performances with the flexibility of using it for the football club’s winter training, and a variety of other community activities including a crèche & an adult learning space. The first floor of the existing two storey GFC changing room buildings was currently being used as a bar/social area, which was to be relocated within the new hall with this existing space being converted to a fitness suite.
The project was part funded by South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD) & the clients had the remaining finance in place and therefore were ready and eager to get this project underway.
McCarter Hamill Architects were restricted to using the existing external materials used in the GFC Changing Rooms as the two buildings which were to be attached were to appear as one entity. As part of the design amendments McCarter Hamill Architects maximised the use of internal space & light to meet the variety of needs of the clients and the future uses of the building. The roof of the hall is covered with black concrete tiles; the external walls are constructed with buff coloured split faced block with a red clay brick soldier course & window sills. A Junckers Sprung Sports/Dance floor was installed to facilitate the various activities within the hall. Concealed access panels where incorporated into the stage front to gain access to the underside of the stage for storage. The kitchen was orientated central within the building so it could double as a bar during events with an access hatch linking it to the hall.
McCarter Hamill Architects encouraged the clients to volunteer to increase the insulation specification of the building so that any energy generated by the new gas fired burner would be retained within the thermal envelope of the building, which the clients agreed to.
As this building was primarily for drama & musical performances special consideration was given to the stage lighting & sound equipment within the hall. The fixed services within the building were designed to conserve energy, give flexibility of use & monitor consumption.
The finished Building fulfils all the client’s needs & operates with flexibility catering for the GFC Club, local drama & musical groups, community groups, dance & fitness classes & has integrated into its surroundings & appears as part of its host building.