Camphill St Albans needed a new community centre for their local residents, to replace an old dilapidated factory where they were previously housed, on a constrained urban site in St Albans.
Their brief was to provide a large multi-purpose hall for 150 people, with kitchen, storage, staff offices and a reception area. The existing factory was demolished, and a new contemporary double height hall was constructed for flexible use, with large roof lights and bi-fold doors permitting daylight throughout. Also incorporated within the design were a kitchen servery and a level stage area, with integrated audio equipment for amateur productions and functions. Well-lit modern office accommodation was provided on the first floor.

The neighbouring houses, also owned by Camphill, were refurbished and converted into six flats for the charity’s residents. An elegant courtyard was created externally, linking the apartments, community hall, reception and offices together.