Brief
We were asked by our client to design the building and external environment for a multi-purpose facility for 13-19 year olds.
The aim of the project was to enhance the Children & Young People’s Services for Suffolk County Council by creating an environment that provided diverse, flexible, and social spaces to support educational outputs.
Key Info
Location:
Stowmarket, Suffolk
Client:
Suffolk County Council – Children and
Young People’s Services (CYP)
End User:
Youth of Stowmarket and surrounding areas
Project Value:
£5 million
Project Completion:
December 2013
Contractor:
Barnes Construction
Disciplines:
Architecture, Building Services Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Project and Programme Management
Imagery
Scope
Concertus oversaw an evolving multi-disciplinary team, heavily focused on collaboration and the needs of young people.
The Council wanted the new design to preserve and enhance the character of the area, whilst creating an innovative space. Therefore, the overriding design philosophy was that the building conveyed an “Alice in Wonderland” feeling, where the front facade is in direct contrast to the interior design.
The first floor accommodation benefits from a direct connection with a line of trees on the southern boundary. This not only ties the building to the external environment but also allows the tree canopy to screen the building from neighbouring properties.
By utilising the fall across the site and forming the three-storey elements, the proportion of developed site is less than 60%. This enables the formation of an undercroft, together with the courtyard gardens, providing vital space for young people to gather in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Testimonial
“Through our design an outdoor area has been created that has provided vital space for young people to gather in a controlled environment.”
Annett Thompson, Senior Project Manager, Concertus
Result
There is now a fit for purpose and modern facility to provide community and youth services in the area.
As a result of collaborative and innovative work between Concertus and the stakeholders involved with this project, The Mix was successfully completed and exceeded the client’s brief. The building provides world class, multi-purpose youth facilities for young people and the community; featuring a performance hall, sound and art studios, advice centre, housing unit, garden, and a café. This has meant that there is now a fit for purpose and modern facility to provide community and youth services in the area, fulfilling the council’s aim to enhance the services they provide for the children and young people in Stowmarket.