Our competition entry for a new community centre in the village of Elsenham in Essex. The proposed centre would be located along the eastern edge of the existing playing field, affording both views and as a means of reducing impact on the properties to Southfield Close.

The centre would be organised as two essex barn like pavilions, maximising morning and evening sun orientation. The northern pavilion contains the hall, storage, community kitchen and wcs. The southern block contains the cafe, parish office, IT room, toilets and changing facilities. 

The pavilions are clustered around central court, which acts as a way through to the playing field, but also as a shared spill out space for the cafe, hall and parish office. The part roof of the court would also provide shelter from the rain and act as a means of solar shading. The hall would benefit from its own enclosed garden, which could also provide opportunities for food growing and protected children’s playspace.

A covered porch would run from the courtyard south, acting as both a viewing gallery to the playing field and a covered route connecting the different spaces. A covered walkway would run east -west providing both a shortcut for the residents of Southfield Close  and as a means of connecting the car park, changing rooms and playing field.  All the main rooms would be accessed externally via the court /covered porch and can function independently of each other.