The Cottenham Village Hall project commenced in 2016, following the successful completion of the adjacent sports pavilion. The brief was to replace the outdated community hall with a modern, flexible and sustainable facility that would act as a central hub for the village.
The new building reflects the character of the pavilion opposite, utilising buff brickwork and black timber-effect cladding to create a cohesive architectural presence across the recreation ground. Peter Dann provided the full structural and civil engineering design for the development. The structural solution was developed to deliver a robust and efficient steel frame capable of accommodating the large, open space first-floor hall and generous balcony, maximising uninterrupted internal space and external views. Careful consideration was given to load paths, lateral stability and foundation design to suit ground conditions, while ensuring long-term durability and buildability.
Civil engineering works incorporated site drainage design, external levels coordination and infrastructure to support the new facility.
Completed in 2021, the village hall now offers a versatile, high-quality community space, underpinned by a practical and efficient structural design that will serve Cottenham for many years to come.
