We are happy to showcase a project that we undertook and completed last year for a new community event space, located within the Itchen Valley Country Park.
The initial approach came via the architect to introduce the brief for the project which would form part of a broader scope of works for the entire park. We worked in partnership with multiple stakeholders with careful co-ordination throughout. The wider project featured extensive groundworks and landscaping in a sensitive environment which remained open to the public throughout; all of which required careful consideration.
To meet the needs of the wider project, the ideal solution was to deliver the project as a pre-fabricated modular building to keep the project in line with the tight programme requirements, other project works in the area, as well as maintaining a site where the safety of the visiting public was paramount. Each section of the building was delivered in individual modular units with timed and coordinated arrival. The foundations were also designed and installed by Pod Space as part of our project delivery. The programme then allowed for each of the modular units to be craned in to place for site connections and finishing.
Pod Space sought to meet the brief for a building of around 120 SqM space, with segregated spaces for community activities in an event space, a café and serving area, public toilet facilities, and storage. The local authority specified a modular building solution to incorporate as much glazing as possible, providing a light, bright space with views across the natural beauty of the country park. For the exterior, they specified natural cladding with a contemporary black finish. We included our standard exterior architectural trims which complemented the standing seam roof and zinc guttering. The external finishes for cladding and trims were installed to the modular units on site for neatness of finish and to ensure continuity of the exterior.
Cost efficiencies and eco credentials were also critical to the project delivery. Set in open parkland, the obvious solution was to provide solar panels to the roof to significantly contribute to the energy requirements for the building and keep running costs to a minimum. Linking to the air source heat pumps, we have future proofed the building to ensure lower running costs for the local authority owner.
On the interior:
The main event space features a separate access with glazing to three elevations taking in views across all areas of the park. Two of the opposing elevations include bi-fold doors which offer users the opportunity to open up the interior areas to the outdoors. The full height ceilings into the eaves feature recessed spotlights and there is built in storage to one corner. Clean white walls and contemporary timber flooring make the event space warm and inviting and the addition of the air source heat pumps for heating and cooling of the interior, ensure this is a modular building suitable for use all year round.
There is a central access corridor which also has dual elevation glazing to each side for a bright and welcoming entrance into the building. Turn left and you will find the café preparation area with a serving hatch which has the multiple functionality of providing a service to the users of the park and play areas as well as providing kitchen facilities to the function/event space.
The final function of the building is to provide public toilet and washing facilities to the park and play areas. There are seven toilet blocks, each with individual wash basins, one of which is an accessible room.
The end result is a showcase modular building for the Country Park which provides a central focal point for the surrounding landscaping as well as a multi-use public events space and community room which is not only functional but also modern and filled with light. When opened up to the outdoors, we don’t think you could beat this if you’re looking for a room to host your next event!
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