KOSH - Rural community building in Sutherland

On a former coal-yard outside Bonar Bridge in Sutherland, this project replaces portacabins and an old double decker bus, to provide youth and family facilities alongside income generating spaces of fitness suite, soft play centre, cafe and multi-use hall.

Within a tight budget, the scheme responds to particular local conditions of programme and site, creating sheltered opportunities for play, and internal spaces immersed in the views and natural light of the beautiful Kyle landscape. The red corrugated cladding is sympathetic to local agricultural typology but distinctively visible from the approach roads and local villages, creating a strong and welcoming local identity. Designed to minimize running and environmental costs the building is super-insulated and is heated by a biomass boiler.

This project has required huge tenacity, from the community steering group in particular but from all project team members to achieve funding and the building that will meet their needs. A triumph of tactical thinking and commitment. Funding was secured from the Big Lottery and the project enjoys enormous local interest.

It’s such a brilliant, bright, welcoming space – the soft play is ginormous and the kids love it. The gym’s fantastic, with incredible views. Looking forward to years of hanging around here! … ideal as a meeting space too … can’t recommend enough!

Irene Mackintosh, Facebook
View across water WR
Cafe view to entrance WR
rear window and landscape WR
Dusk rear view WR
kosh 05
Empty cafe WR
  1. Client: Kyle of Sutherland Hub
  2. Related projects: Arc House, Chandos East , Migrants Resource Centre