Designed as a simple building closely attuned to its environment, the Hub is based on the principles of prospect and shelter, with main spaces oriented around a partially sheltered external deck. A layering of walls and screens frames and gathers extensive views out to the WW1 memorial and woodlands beyond, intimately connecting the Hub and visitors to its setting. Visitors follow the path through the dense hedgerow and are led along a raking timber wall through a lobby into the central entrance orientation area. Full height glazing gives direct views out to the memorial area and a commemorative installation is located on the south wall.

The simple laminated timber framed building is clad in sustainably sourced natural larch boarding externally and maple ply internally, with highly insulated and air-tight construction minimising heating requirements and shading preventing summer overheating. Biodiversity is encouraged by a planted extensive green lower roof and a brown roof over the main space.

PVs are mounted on the canopy roof and solar thermal collectors are incorporated in sloping rooflights whose orientations maximise solar gain and minimise overshadowing. They work in tandem with an air source heat pump for underfloor background heating. Rainwater is harvested from roofs and deck for ‘grey water’ use with tank storage above and below toilets. There is potential for a reed bed filtration system from the toilets, with a buried separation tank leading into reed beds north of the hub.