Projects
Guide Dogs, New Regional Training Centre
Client
Guide Dogs
Location
Redbridge
Description
The Client proposed a fit-for-purpose new building to replace the older facilities on their Redbridge site. The new building supports the Client’s new approach to how they deliver their services, following their principles in access and inclusion, dog day care, training and enrichment, and in support services to people with sight loss, including children.
Alongside the dog training facilities at the Centre are training rooms for people with sight loss, a vet consultation room, supported care units and associated office and staff facilities, all designed to be easily used by its staff, volunteers and visitors.
A secondary function for the centre is to welcome potential donors to the Charity. How the centre presents itself on arrival and the ambience of reception, the tour and roof terrace are key. The design sought to balance this with the centre’s primary functions, the greenbelt setting and costs. The daylit spaces are of a scale and layout appropriate to all its users and dogs, with creative solutions for a multi-use Hub, a sensory garden and an environment that can be enjoyed by those with visual impairment.
The building is to meet BREEAM Excellent.
Image courtesy of Kay Elliott Architects.
