A contemporary replacement for the existing village hall in Maplebeck, north west of Newark, Nottinghamshire, whose construction was instigated and driven by the community.  The new hall provides a multi-purpose and adaptable space for use by the neighbouring villages.  The ‘L’ shaped building is arranged around a raised courtyard, which faces the Village Green and Church beyond, creating a central public meeting space.  Large sliding folding doors allow the hall to open up to the courtyard and for activities to spill out.  One arm of the building houses the entrance lobby, WC’s and kitchenette whilst the other contains the hall itself. The hall includes a sprung floor for dance and fitness classes, a store to allow for easy change round of uses and a projector and screen for film showings.

This sustainable building embraces renewable technology, utilising high levels of insulation to minimise heat loss and employs a biomass boiler with fuel grown within 10 miles of the site. The main hall space is naturally ventilated using a roof top turret to create stack effect air movement.  Rooflights and large windows provide light and bright interiors.  PV panels produce electricity and an income to run the hall, creating a centralised hub which benefits the local community.

Completed at Marsh Grochowski Architects
Images by Louise Dunn