Replacing a 19th century prefabricated village hall which had come to the end of its structural life, Castle Community Rooms provides a valuable space for the community to come together for a wide variety of social events and activities throughout the year.

The building’s simple silhouette, defined by a low-slung pitched roof and black cladding, remakes the familiar form of the rural village hall with reference to the vernacular of Suffolk’s agricultural barns.

Inside the building, an open, light-filled hall with pale timber linings and exposed beams provides a beautiful civic space that can host up to 120 people. The hall is conjoined by a meeting room, suitable for smaller gatherings, as well as an office, tea point and toilets, all grouped around a double-height foyer.

The project developed over an extensive period of close consultation with social, civic and public groups, resulting in a design that prioritises long-term sustainability by focusing on flexibility of use, efficiency and resource conservation.

A low-carbon glulam frame, high levels of insulation and robust natural materials are combined with efficient lighting, natural ventilation and solar panels to reduce embodied and operational energy.

All of the details, services and fittings have been designed for a low-skill operation, repair and maintenance programme, led by the team of volunteers that manage the building.