Working in collaboration with North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and hub South West, the practice will deliver an exemplar facility at the Lochshore site which forms an integral part of an overall masterplan and regeneration strategy for the area.

The project is currently pending a decision from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to provide funding for its construction. The brief is being delivered with insight from Garnock Rugby Club to accommodate its much-needed new changing facilities.

The wider vision for Lochshore is to create a destination focusing on the health and well-being of the local and wider community that shall deliver environmental, economic, regeneration, health, mental health and social benefits.

The building has been designed to marry the particular brief requirements with its stunning context and opportunities for views. The proposed new building shall be located at the highest point in the site commanding panoramic views towards Kilbirnie Loch and overlooking the Garnock rugby pitches.

The existing sloped topography has been maximised to provide sports changing areas to a lower ground floor level (with direct access to pitches and lochside activities) with shared communal facilities above. The upper areas provide access to the building’s main entrance and command views across the site.  

The upper areas sit proudly in the landscape in the form of two, parallel pavilions above a robust base level. The pavilions are linked by a shared, secure entrance courtyard and associated glazed link, with level access directly from the car park area and viewing terraced towards the loch and rugby pitches.Internally, the building has been arranged to link the cafe, outdoor terrace, workshops and other shared areas in a flexible way around the main entrance and viewing area.

The building form and materials have been designed to reflect the industrial heritage of the site in a modest and contemporary way. The upper pavilions are clad in robust, ribbed metal covering to both roof areas and upper walls.

These sit on a textured concrete base with a large recess for sitting, shelter and direct access to changing. Large areas of glazing are provided to the upper areas to facilitate access and views to courtyards, terraces and shared areas.

All 3D images courtesy of Nathan Cunningham