This striking community building serves the village of Oake and surrounding hamlets in the heart of Somerset. It is set within a sensitive rural environment backing on to open fields and woods.
The local Parish Council had decided to sell off the old redundant hall and car park located In the centre of Oake as a potential residential development (planning consent masterminded and delivered by LED Architects). From the resultant proceeds, and some additional grant funding, the new hall was commissioned.
The simple barn-like volume incorporates the main hall and stage, meeting room, creche, bar, cybercafe, office, kitchen, stores and toilets. The main hall was carefully considered in terms of spatial volume so a wide selection of activities could take place including badminton, short mat bowls, stage productions with up to a 200-seat audience, as well as community gatherings such as harvest festival. Facilities also include provision for visiting health care workers.
Generous glazing and careful orientation allow the verdant setting to contribute to both the internal & external aesthetic qualities of the building.
