Crow Wood Park, Widnes, had a dilapidated grounds keeper’s hut, ad-hoc storage units and no public w.c. facilities. Arcus was instructed by Halton BC, to undertake a feasibility study to provide a facility that included suitable accommodation for the ground keeper, including storage areas, accessible public w.c. facilities and a viewing area for users of the nearby bowling greens.
The project proved challenging due to ground conditions requiring piling and ring beams. Once out of the ground the varying levels proved challenging to achieve the stepped and graded access required to the varying areas. The glazed pavilion area was designed to provide maximum visibility and incorporated integrated electronic perforated roller shutters for security whilst retaining vision, both inside and out, when closed. Cooling and ventilation was provided via a rooftop extract fan and underfloor ducting, connected externally, to mitigate solar gain and cool the area.