Ballyroan ‘Ruah’ Pastoral centre | Box Architecture

Pastoral Centre The initial idea was to create a spiritual building which was private; a solid element which is carved out or punched to create light and privacy. A-25-year-old anniversary oak tree was to be retained and sparked off the idea to create a building arranged around internal courtyards with the oak tree located in the largest courtyard. As this is a spiritual and sometimes private building, it was important that views in and out were controlled to avoid disturbances. To this end, we have provided very selective openings to maintain this privacy. Courtyards have obscure glass or are focused internally; openings with clear glass provide glimpses from within and from the outside: the main entrance, the fully open able doors from the main hall for use in larger gatherings, the flush square window to the west to the large meeting room and the high level sky view window over the kitchen. All windows are kept flush except for the high level kitchen window to maintain the solid feel. To signify that the building is open, the large timber pivot door is opened leading one into a low stone-lined entry space with a simple bench to sit and gather. The timber element continues as an open set of fins to create an open, yet enclosed transition entry space. Building materials are carefully limited to create a calm spiritual feeling; simple rendered walls, timber doors, stone floors and glazed screens affording views into the inner courtyards. Rooflights are arranged to highlight the movement of light, again signifying the spiritual nature of the building. After entering through the lower covered area one arrives into a taller space, the coffee and tea area with a small kitchen at the end allowing people to gather. The large hall has full height doors that enable different room layouts and privacy when required and fold neatly back into the designed location. The volume reduces as one enters the more private areas of the building. The first small room is the prayer room with its own small courtyard. Further along; a glimpse of the larger tree-filled courtyard starts to appear. Three more public rooms are arranged around this inner sanctum, the end of which has an obscure glazed screen to provide privacy and allow a plays of light. The last room is the priest’s room, which has its own private courtyard with an obscure glass screen to the outside. The toilets and main office are roof-lit. Ballyroan Community & Youth Centre There is an image of the refurbished building on the panels in context with the church. The layouts have been improved and rationalised and arranged around the retained main hall area, which mimicked the church and is a simple pitched element. Energy The buildings are conceived as being very energy efficient and close to passive house standards with elements u value of 0.16 w/ m2k throughout and the building achieved an A2 BER rating. Heat recovery units assist in the recirculation of the air with the need only for a domestic size boiler.