Rùm Community Centre

AMA prepared concept sketches and ideas for a new community centre on the Isle of Rùm as part of a conversation with the Island Community Trust who are exploring the feasibility of creating a new hub and visitor centre on the island. The island is quite remote and sparsely populated, with a strong connection to the sea and mountains. Our proposals looked to create a ‘one stop shop’ facility, which would cater to locals and visitors alike.

Through discourse with the Trust, priorities unique to island life became apparent and we strove to accommodate these into our design dialogue. The site is located adjacent to an old stone pier and beach popular for swimming. A strong connection to the sea and the ferry terminal was incorporated. The island is bidding for ‘Dark Sky’ status, which seemed an important and unique prospect that was manifested into the scheme as a viewing tower that could act as a beacon visible from the sea, drawing people to the centre.

The massing of the buildings sought to create a new public outdoor space linking pier, beach, land and sea together with the ability to host outdoor activities and facilities such as bike and kayak hire during the tourist season. A contemporary interpretation of the traditional long house form provided a strong sense of local identity and creates a building scale that lends itself well to the logistics of construction on a remote island. This was married with Passivhaus principles in order to provide a building that would use as little energy as possible given the sometimes limited power supply on the island.