LA Architects

The Portal, Irvine In 2011, LA won a competition to deliver a new community, cultural and leisure centre in the heart of the town centre Irvine, North Ayrshire. The building, now complete and operating, has become truly popular and has exceeded all operating targets. Creating a town centre destination in a historic setting requires sympathy and yet courage. In creating a new urban square and Public place as a setting for a new building of civic importance. This project included the remodelling of the historic 1860’s Irvine Town House and the movement and reconstruction of the Monument in its rightful setting on the High Street.

RAC Cedars, Epsom This extension to the RAC’s sports facility in Epsom was designed to reflect its country park setting through the building form, and respecting the neighbouring Grade II listed club house. The undulating grass roof constructed from in-situ concrete and planted with wild flowers, together with the free-form glass and timber facades blend with the landscape, allowing sunlight to penetrate deep into the building. Principal windows overlook a spectacular panorama to be enjoyed while using the facilities. Accommodation includes a new fitness suite, therapy rooms, a studio and changing accommodation to complement the swimming pool.

Naldrett House This extension and conversion of a Sussex farmhouse was completed in October 2006. The openness and clarity of detail has created a simple elegant modern home. Naldrett House is also an example of how we can achieve maximum effect with the most discreet lighting solutions. In the kitchen sparkling fibre optics mirror the shape of the central island below. Outside, there are lines of light around windows, spotlights to sculptures, and colour-changing floodlights providing a wash to the back wall and a gentle back-drop to the central water feature.

Capitol Theatre, Horsham Constructed in 1936 as a single-auditorium cinema, this existing building underwent some conversion work in the 1980’s, but was proving increasingly restrictive to the ambitions of a modern arts centre. Our solution sought to breathe life into the existing shell whilst retaining key elements of the building. The theatre and cinema were both fully refurbished, and a new 180 seat cinema inserted at first floor. New openings were formed in the side elevation, integrating a new bar, studio and supporting services alongside. Finally, the existing Art Deco frontage was draped with a structural glass skin, lightly enclosing an external space, which acts as a modern ‘agora’. This incorporates bookings, reception, café and meeting space. Use ranges from meetings to exhibitions, providing a social space, which enlivens the street and links the old theatre with its new life.

Haven Point, South Tyneside LA architects were appointed by South Tyneside Council in 2007 to provide a new pools complex in South Shields. As designs developed, the opportunity to include other facilities arose, including an outdoor amphitheatre, terraces for events/exhibitions and a sunbathing area. The facilities include an 8 lane 25m pool, a teaching pool, leisure water, fitness suite, studios, multipurpose rooms and a café/restaurant. The centre was officially opened on 22 November 2013 by HRH the Duke of Cambridge and Council Leader Councillor Iain Malcolm, who stated: “Haven Point is a world-class facility and demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in the future of our residents and attracting more visitors to the Borough.”

Hengrove, Bristol Located to the south of Bristol city centre, Hengrove Park Leisure Centre formed part of a PFI-led regeneration strategy for the area. The centre provides the city’s first 50m swimming pool, designed to Olympic standards, and also includes a 20x10m teaching and training pool, 4 court sports hall, fitness suite, studios and a climbing wall. A large new public plaza designed as part of the scheme ties the building to the wider site and forms a gateway to the park. The building utilises 10% of its energy from renewable resources, and was the first leisure centre in the UK to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating.