Wysing Arts Centre
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The North elevation of the studiobuilding alternates floor-to-ceiling glazing with large louvred panels
Helene Binet (website) Download Original
Rural arts centre in Bourn, Cambridgeshire providing artists studios, exhibitions and workshops for both the local and wider community
The architect's scheme replaces the dilapidated existing buildings and demonstrates the centre's high ambitions for the future.
Two distinct new buildings were proposed - a reception and a studio facility. These are located adjacent to existing converted farm sheds and a grade II listed 17th century farmhouse. The cluster of buildings created defines a number of external spaces and courtyards of varying enclosure and character. The arrangement is typical of the local vernacular and provides a template for future development.
The two-storey studio-block is sited toward the front of the site foregrounding the principle activity of the centre (artistic production) and providing a counterpoint to the adjacent farmhouse. Although there is a clear contrast in the scale and massing of the two buildings, the composition of the principal north facade to the studio block refers to the aesthetic of the farmhouse's timber frame structure. This is achieved using a modular, prefabricated gluelam cladding frame across the full facade. The frame is in-filled with full height timber windows and ventilation panels creating an additional rhythm within the composition.
Data
- Begun: Nov 2006
- Completed: Feb 2008
- Floor area: 775m2
- Sector: Arts and culture
- Total cost: £1.3M
- Procurement: JCT standard building contract without quantities SBC 05 XQ
- CO2 Emissions: 37kg/m2/year
- Address: Wysing Arts Centre, Fox Road, Bourn, Cambridgeshire, CB23 2TX, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Hawkins\Brown
- Client: Wysing Arts Centre
- Structural engineer: Haskins Robinson Waters
- Main contractor: ISG InteriorExterior
- Services engineer: Max Fordham
- M&E engineer: Max Fordham
Suppliers
- Timber windows/doors: Gatewood Joinery