This new addition to the Harbourside at Girvan is a multi-faceted community building, which provides a new harbour master’s office, facilities for fishermen, sailors and others who work closely with the harbour, together with facilities for the general public.
The project was one of the first to be procured via Hub South West Scotland. We developed an initial feasibility design which had been prepared by South Ayrshire Council and applied for and obtained Planning Permission and Building Warrant Approval, working in close collaboration with the Hub Project Manager throughout the design development and construction stages.
The single storey building occupies an area of around 160m2 and is of a contemporary design, with a curved roof clad in zinc, which wraps over a considerable part of the northeast elevation. Elsewhere the building is clad in a combination of smooth white render and facing brick, reflecting the existing vernacular.
Steel curved sections form the principal structure to the building, with the internal partitions formed in masonry to provide durability. The non-corrosive qualities of the zinc roof, and rainwater conductors together with the aluminum windows were paramount in the selection of the external finishes due to the testing marine environment.
The building envelope has high levels of insulation and low emissivity glazing. An air source heat pump maintains a comfortable indoor temperature whilst maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing running costs.
Located in a prominent position at the edge of the Harbour Basin, it is hoped that this new facility with its striking geometry and use of contemporary materials will in time become a well used and easily recognisable place-making local landmark.
