R I V A A R C H I T E C T S

Our design aim with this project was to create a replacement centre for the very successful existing facility which could modernise the Activity Base while still delivering the characteristics held in such high regard by its user groups. The centre is totally immersed within the heart of rural St Mary and gives the opportunity to Jersey’s youth to engage with the countryside.

Accordingly the building design seeks to reinforce the educational messages being conveyed by the Youth Service team.

The building engenders a community spirit and is focussed around a large outside deck area which is dominated by a mature macrocarpa pine; the design ethos being conveyed here is quite clear. We have sought to super-insulate the structure and to ensure that its structure has a fast response in terms of thermal performance to suit its intermittent use. Where possible renewable energy technology is used in a manner which supports sustainability lessons for the children using the centre.

To provide an element of visual drama to the design, the sleeping wing to the C-shaped building is cantilevered over the sloping site.