PROJECT // MULTI-USE SCOUT CENTRE
LOCATION // NORWICH, NORFOLK
TYPE // COMMUNITY
Carrying on from our work with the 1st Norwich Sea Scouts, we were approached by the Southern Norwich District Scout Council to look at a spacious urban woodland site that housed a series of small scout buildings that were approaching the end of their usable life.
The building would be used primarily by the scouts, including a troop for young people with disabilities, alongside a young adult special needs charity that provides life skills training programs. It would need to be designed to be robust for scout use yet appealing to ensure there is opportunity for continued community use. The scheme was to provide a main hall, kitchen, arts & craft space, IT/multimedia space, training/meeting space and associated administration rooms and shower & toilets.
An in-depth site and survey analysis concluded the extent and location of new building which was possible on the site, taking into account the existing trees and ground levels and condition. The proposed building formed two wings enabling a double height hall space to one side and 2-storey accommodation to the other side. The central space formed the entrance area, which provided an external sheltered waiting area, which would be visible from the site access. The building opened up to the rear to enable integration with the external camp area. Externally the building was simple and barn-like with large external doors and canopy areas for external shelter.