SESSAY COMMUNITY HUB

How can a building become a true hub for village life?

Our design for a village hall and cricket pavilion in Sessay, North Yorkshire, responds to the community’s needs, providing flexible spaces for meetings, events, dining, and sport. The building is composed of three distinct parts connected by a shared plinth, a form inspired by traditional Yorkshire cottages. The bar and pavilion sit together, offering clear views of the cricket pitch, while the village hall is rotated to face the main pitch and capture views of the village beyond. On its far side, the hall opens onto a private outdoor space, enclosed by a circle of trees.

Situated on a flood-prone field, the buildings are elevated on gently sloping banks, giving improved sightlines across the pitch and creating a sense of presence within the landscape. The design is simple and legible in form, yet richly detailed through the use of warm timber, locally sourced stone, and glass. Interiors are bright, open, and airy, with spaces that flow naturally to the outdoors and engage with the surrounding environment.