the project

This Balfron Community Centre project involved the conversion and extension of a 1960 brutalist concrete structure into an appealing community café at street level and small commercial business space below. The design brief was to make the building inviting and attractive for the community. It was also important to make the use flexible in order that the spaces could be used by a variety of groups.

How we worked

We adapted the street elevation to be predominantly glass and formed a deck area for spill out tables for the summer. Division between community and individual circulation areas with separate entrances meant that the building could be a public building but without the need for permanent staffing. The design incorporated a number of energy efficient measures including complete over cladding with external wall insulation.

Success of the project

We were able to enhance this public building greatly, giving it a new lease of life a better look. It  has given the members of Balfron community a pleasing meeting space, as well as the possibility of encouraging new employment in the area.  

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