Sands End Arts & Community Centre, Fulham

Mæ Architects' sustainable, inventive, and delightful project comprises several connected pavilions arranged around Clancarty Lodge, now converted into an exhibition space

Sands End Arts & Community Centre. Credit: Rory Gardiner

Mæ Architects for Hammersmith & Fulham Council
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 662m²

Marking the entrance to South Park, the Sands End Arts & Community Centre comprises several connected pavilions arranged around Clancarty Lodge, a disused building converted to exhibition space as part of the project. The welcoming, accessible facility serves a diverse community who were engaged in the design process. It provides a café, changing rooms and flexible events spaces.

Distinctive monopitch roofs were inspired by glasshouses that previously stood on the site – modest and intimate around a central courtyard, but rising to double-height by the park boundary. Their orientation plays a big part in reducing the carbon cost, as do materials: CLT and glulam frames with green-stained timber panelling inside, and honey-toned bricks comprising 60 per cent recycled material, laid on their sides to reduce the required quantity. Sustainable, inventive, and delightful.