The challenge for this project was to create both a sustainable marketplace and an office space that together would become a community hub. The project’s concept is about bringing the canal community to a unified hub that is sustainable in it’s construction and operation. The building aims to last the test of time and embrace surrounding wildlife with the use of its extensive green roof and internal courtyard gardens. The aim of cultivating a forest on site is to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. This is by being able to harvest cladding directly on site when it is required to be replaced.

The idea around bridging the canal is to capture the view towards the ancient viaduct as well as the activities and transport within the canal system. The community courtyard is designed around the idea of all canal users coming together to enjoy this outdoor space and visit the community centre directly from the waterway.