Education centre

Niall Phillips

The design of the education centre has been labelled as a model for sustainable buildings in the future.

The sensitive approach taken by the architect towards the site has allowed for minimum intrusion on the surroundings. Recognised by its two mono-pitch roofs, the building has grass covering one side, allowing it to blend in with its natural surroundings. Emphasising the idea of traditional construction, the building’s main structure is formed from a series of simple wood frames with paired vertical posts, made from peeled logs. Douglas fir, sourced from the owner’s nearby land, is used for the framing. The walls of the building are formed by infilling the frames with cross-cut oak boarding or plaster panels. The various wood elements that are exposed throughout the building enable people to visualise its unique construction method. Elevated off the ground to avoid potential flooding, the building sits on cast stone plinths and peeled logs. Projecting out from under the flooring at each end, the logs reinforce the simple construction of the building.

Location:

Newport, Wales

Structural engineers:

Whitby & Bird, Bath

Reference:

Architect’s Journal: July 1994, No. 1, pp 30-37