Project Outline

The Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre is a dynamic building with a clear and simple form and layout that creates a variety of stimulating internal spaces, with spaciousness, exhibition areas and distinctive public and private zones. Particular focus and attention was given to creating a building that is welcoming to both regular and drop-in visitors. The choice of internal materials reflects the characteristics of each internal activity zone, creating a clear and defined arrangement of spaces.

The building takes the form of two simple and distinct masses separated by a ‘buffer zone’ which is articulated into an entrance foyer, reception, information and display area, overlooked by bridges and a tunnel at higher levels connecting the two spaces.

The larger of the two masses, an un-perforated concrete structural box with vented cedar shingle cladding, holds the main archive and records repository forming secure accommodation over three storeys and providing thermally isolated and environmentally controlled conditions – tuned and optimised for archival storage. The other, a lightweight 2-storey timber framed system houses the offices, public search rooms and education facilities. Specified for their graceful weathering patterns, the proposed palette is made up of high quality ‘natural’ materials, which sit, in visual harmony with the landscape.

Response

A key aspiration was to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere with an air of frugal quality without ostentation. The building reflects a suitable scale and materiality, and in keeping with these aspirations, articulates the use of concrete, timber and glass.

The public entrance, the face and heart of the building, provides a dramatic threshold, incorporating reception, refreshments, information stations, exhibition space, WC’s and lockers. This area enables views throughout the building; horizontally, vertically and externally. Daylight penetrates this area flowing deep into the building, allowing the passage of the sun to animate spaces throughout the day.

From the entrance, the remaining public accommodation is reached through secure access and comprises of large open plan search and study areas towards the south façade, with enclosed daylit spaces washed with light from high level clerestory glazing from the atria.

All accommodation utilises a mixture of mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) and natural ventilation strategies depending upon seasonal and occupational needs, enabling a fully moderated internal environment.

Internal communication within a building promotes social and spatial connectivity, engendering at all times a sense of relative location, both internal and external, maximising building and spatial legibility by the visitors and users.

The new facility provides a ‘one-stop’ service to the public and professionals alike, for access to local historic and environmental records and information. It is envisaged that due to the new facility having a multidisciplinary service, visitor numbers will rise significantly, benefiting from the wider service, extensive outreach, education and workshops.

The location of the site offers opportunity for a civic presence to Holme Lacy Road, the main arterial route through the Enterprise Zone, with the site accessible by car, bus, cycle or foot via the new sustrans/connect2 bridge over the River Wye – connecting the Enterprise Zone to the City Centre.