A new cultural centre and library for a village in Berkshire.
Like many towns and villages in the south-east of England, Shinfield is experiencing rapid residential development.
In 2018 Shinfield Parish Council held a design competition to design a new ‘coherent cultural centre’ on School Green, the historic green at the centre of the village.
AOC won the competition, with Momentum as part of the team. The project involved a new building to emulate a tower and a barn.
The tower features a raised room for community meetings, within an elevated position to provide views across the green and neighbourhood, whilst the ground floor is a public space encompassing a library and cafe.
The barn is grand hall space for events, performances and celebrations with doors opening onto a secluded walled garden.
RIBA South Award Shortlist 2024
Civic Trust Regional Finalist (South East) 2024
AJ Architecture Awards: Civic Project shortlisted 2023
Public Building Architect of the Year shortlisted 2023
Client . Shinfield Parish Council
Architect . AOC Architecture