The H.O.P.E (Holistic Opportunity for Play and Education) Centre is a rural community extension in Bromyard, developed as Phase 2 of an established and successful community facility. The project emerged from a winning competition proposal to expand the centre and provide additional spaces for community activities, learning and support services. The architectural approach combines contemporary design with references to the simple agricultural forms of the local vernacular. Two cedar-clad ‘barn’ volumes sit either side of a glazed timber-framed atrium, which forms the central circulation and gathering space linking the new accommodation with the existing building. The new volumes house a range of flexible facilities including offices, workshops, a café and daycare spaces. The layout allows the building to support a diverse programme of community use while maintaining clear and legible internal organisation. Sustainability was a central driver of the design. The building incorporates a ground source heat pump, photovoltaic panels, high levels of insulation and careful orientation to maximise passive solar gain. Together with a robust and restrained material palette, these strategies enabled the project to meet the client’s ambition for a highly sustainable and environmentally responsible building. Location: Bromyard Completed: 2012 Photography: Alistair Carew-Cox Client: Hope Family Centre Type: Education - New Build