A creative storytelling hub in Burnley identifies and celebrates the town's cultural commons through an intimate theatre, a gallery and community cafe. Circular economy principles drive the design of this scheme, from the selection of materials to the nature of the programme. Stories of people, places and materials are highlighted and used as tools to cultivate community, learning and bridge cross-cultural and intergenrational gaps.
Hempcrete was chosen as a sustainable alternative to standard building materials with a timber double stud frame as the primary structure. Both hemp and wood are grown and can be re-used, downcycled and composted or biodegraded. Hempcrete not only is environmentally beneficial, but when left exposed, its gritty and warm texture imitates Burnley’s industrial vernacular language.
Rooftop gardens create green space in an urban area, benefitting the mental wellbeing of users and creating informal spaces for storytelling. A green roof contributes to carbon sequestration and alleviates pressure from the drainage system by absorbing and filtering stormwater before it is used in the building.
The central theatre provides space for people to gather and share stories creatively, both formally and casually. During the winter, the theatre is a fully indoor space, and in the summer, large barn doors open to the back of the building, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor theatre. Journeys through the building are marked by tactile wall displays which exhibit stories, artwork and information about the town and its people.
