NEW CLUBHOUSE FOR BOX END PARK WATER-SKI CENTRE, KEMPSTON, BEDFORDSHIRE

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Box End Park Water-ski Centre is one of the Countrys Premier water ski clubs and venue. It consists of two man-made lakes set in 100 acres in the village of Kempston, Bedfordshire, one lake for speed-boat towing, the second with a mechanical ski-tow around its perimeter.

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The Client brief was for a dramatic timber framed clubhouse incorporating reception and changing facilities, supplemented by restaurant, bar and conference facilities and four bedroom suites to boost income. We responded by designing a cathedral-like space, with a first floor mezzanine all focused on views overlooking the lake. Externally a timber board walk wraps around the lakeside elevation, where the public can relax and watch the fun.

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Having designed the building and obtained planning consent, we worked up the scheme design and then embarked on a two-stage tender process with two Canadian timber frame building suppliers. Cedar Coast Homes of Muskoka Ontario was chosen to carry out the detailed design and to supply the building in kit and component form, which was shipped to the UK in nine containers. The Company then also sent over key personnel and labour to assist the UK contractor in erecting the building.

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The building totals 9,000 sq.ft and is notable for the use of a ground source heat pump and heat exchanger to heat the building through the UFH pipe work. The system is able to reverse the cycle to cool the building in warm weather. Whilst having large areas of glass, the building is North-facing with its outlook across the lakes.

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The Clubhouse won best building in the 2008 Bedfordshire Association of Architects Design and Craftsmanship Awards Commercial Architecture category.