Westbourne Community Centre

The building is a part conversion part extension to a non-descript shed structure in Barrhead. The existing structure was adapted and remodeled to create a range of spaces and rooms to facilitate many of the voluntary agencies in East Renfrewshire.

The accommodation comprises of a series of office spaces and communal areas for Voluntary Action and other local community groups. Key communal resources include a double height café and a large central circulation area which is lit by an internal courtyard.

Although there is a modesty about the finishes, the quality of light and space planning have created a highly 3-Dimensional interior with views to the sky, double height volumes, a strong sense of identity and a clarity of circulation.

The primary façade of the building is clad in Western Red Cedar, offering a consolidated and softened surface to the building’s context. Folding, sliding shutters open to reveal four lettable office spaces within the building and act to animate the façade between day and night.

Date

2006

Client

Voluntary Action

Value

£725,000

The Challenge

The key objective was to create a highly accessible working environment including training rooms, offices, meeting rooms, small information library, therapy rooms and community café.

The Solution

To ensure a high quality interior in the deep plan we created a courtyard garden, which means the building is naturally ventilated and that all rooms have a view and natural light.