CNPA | Grantown on Spey, Scotland 2014-2018

Architects Journal Awards Winner 2019
Highly Commended - RIAS / Scottish Forestry Award 2019

The new headquarters for the Cairngorms National Park Authority has become the organisation’s public face, providing new reception areas in addition to office and meeting spaces. Located in the centre of town, it occupies a site adjacent to Grantown-on-Spey’s main public space. Yet, the new building maintains a low profile, avoiding competition with the historic building to which it is linked.

The new ‘L’ shape building connects to the existing stone building with a shallow indent on the street edge to allow for a relaxed public entrance and a safe location for parking & access. At its northern extremity, the building comprises two storeys with a dual height contra-monopitch roof. The lower volume that defines the new entrance courtyard connects into the two storey volume with a glazed corner portal.

The structure is formed from Cross Laminated Timber, machined to a coordinated BIM model. The use of sustainably certified mass timber is left exposed internally, removing the need for wall coverings and allowing the structure to be readable throughout. CLT was crucial in achieving contrasting areas of solid and void, moveable screens and adaptable breakout space. A carbon assessment has shown a reduction in emissions versus a reinforced concrete frame, to the sum of 166 t CO2eq, which will offset the operational carbon emissions of the building for a period of 47 years.

"This shows you can make brilliant sustainable architecture that engages with the local community on a budget." - Architect's Journal 20th November 2019