Satellite Architects were appointed to design a new village hall for Barcombe village following the successful outcome of an invited architectural competition. The community of Barcombe was keen to dedicate themselves to a sustainable community facility. They were also intent on reaching out to young people, senior citizens, and adult education groups. The facilities of a new village hall would provide for such functions, charity and fundraising events and allow people with disabilities to use the hall safely and with dignity.

It was important for the different areas of the building to be multifunctional and acoustically sound to allow for a range of activities to take place at one time as well as reduce the amount of noise pollution leaving the site. Barcombe Village Hall is designed as a ‘modern villa’ sitting in a rural landscape; the faceted form is designed to interweave the multi-use spaces within the building, all of which are connected by the masonry spine. It is a modern village hall designed to offer maximum flexibility for the varied events that take place within the building.

Much of the design was influenced by the intermittent use of the building requiring rapid response for climate control and low maintenance. The building operates as a core wall holding all services and stack ventilation. A timber and glass façade addresses the village focusing on reducing noise and light pollution for neighbours. Towards the rear of the site the building opens up to the valley with a large multi-function room, which reflects the slope of the meadow in its green roof.