Swanage Recycling Centre

Swanage

The client for the new recycling centre wanted a high quality exemplar scheme that would respect its setting in the AONB of the Isle of Purbeck. The scheme design was driven by the user experience and the sloping site is used to full effect to allow easier access to the recycling containers for all via its split level detail. Despite its size and necessarily robust materials the scheme has a positive visual impact on its setting due to the design for local recycled stone walling held within gabion cladding baskets. The canopied pavilions on the upper level create a unified design that contains the clutter of the necessary recycling containers. The scheme also has ecology and reduced environmental impact at the heart of its design and the building incorporates habitats for bats and nesting birds. The successes of the scheme have been in the positive reaction from the public users.