GaiaGroup : Gaia Architects : Sports and Leisure : Assynt Community Sports Centre  Back

Assynt Community Sports Centre, Lochinver, Assynt

Brief

Gaia Architects were commissioned initially by Assynt Leisure, a registered charity, to carry out a feasibility study on the potential for the provision of an indoor sports, recreation and general community facility, for the widespread community of Assynt, in Sutherland.
Based on the outcome of a number of community workshops, which gathered evidence for the pressing need and subsequent support base for a sports centre, the feasibility study established the viability of a 3 court sports hall and associated infrastructure, using Sportsscotland Sports Facilities Planning Model.
Gaia Architects were subsequently asked to progress the project to site implementation stage, the design proposals were prepared in consultation with local representatives of Assynt Leisure.

Design Principles

The design strategy for the sports centre was developed on the principles of flexibility and adaptability of the building, quality and durability of its specification, energy efficiency and conservation by means of passive design, the provision of accessibility for all, a regard for the indoor climate and the impact of the development on the wider environment