Just completed, the HCA Hub building forms a new front-end facility for the Hereford College of Arts.
The proposal delivers much-needed cafe, exhibition and admin space in a striking new volume. With a strong sustainability agenda, the structure is formed of glu-lam and mass-timber and the space is naturally ventilated and day-lit. A reflective pool is used to both animate the space and mediate sunlight. Externally, the building is clad in western red cedar, whilst comprehensive landscape scheme roots the building to the site, creating a series of external social and exhibition spaces for the College and its students.
As an Arts institution, the College demanded an innovative design-led solution and the project underwent a MADE design review as part of the development process.
Project Architect, Paul Younger, states: "The MADE design review really served to 'hone' the HCA Hub project - to distill the design down to its essential components and remove any superflous elements. The design panel's fresh perspective helped us to recognise what was unique about our proposal and to focus on that. Crucially, it helped us to resolve an ongoing debate about the external treatment of the building. Through it we found an architectural language which satisfied the contextual requirements of the local planning authority, whilst being utterly consistent with the ethos of the design. We're delighted with the integrity of the outcome."

Scheme design and photographs by Hewitt Studios LLP'.