THE BRIEF
Creating a welcoming and sustainable community destination
The Unity Centre at Northstowe has been designed as a vibrant community hub, providing flexible spaces where residents can meet, learn, relax and connect. As a key civic building within one of the UK’s largest new communities, the external environment was carefully considered to ensure it felt as welcoming and functional as the spaces inside.
Langley Design worked closely with the Kier and Frank Shaw Architects to design, manufacture and install a series of bespoke external timber structures that complement the contemporary architecture while creating practical, sheltered spaces for year-round community use.
The scheme included bespoke sedum roof entrance canopies to both the front and rear of the building, a striking timber colonnade, elegant timber pergolas within the garden area and a beautifully crafted curved Sheldon Bench (SBN346), creating attractive spaces for visitors to gather and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
WHAT WE DID
Bespoke timber structures designed to enhance community spaces
Manufactured from sustainably sourced TRC4 treated timber, every element of the scheme was purposefully designed to meet the architectural vision of The Unity Centre while delivering the durability and longevity required for a busy public building.
Two bespoke Sheldon sedum roof canopies were installed to the front and rear entrances, creating sheltered arrival spaces that provide protection from the elements while making a strong architectural statement. The living sedum roofs introduce valuable biodiversity benefits, helping to soften the appearance of the building and supporting the project’s wider sustainability ambitions.
Running along the side elevation of the building, Langley Design manufactured and installed a bespoke Sheldon timber colonnade, spanning 42 metres, creating a distinctive architectural feature that provides rhythm, character and visual interest to the façade. The natural warmth of the timber helps connect the building with its surrounding landscape while creating a welcoming pedestrian route.
To the rear garden, a series of bespoke timber pergolas define outdoor social spaces, offering light shade and structure within the landscaped environment. These elegant features create inviting places for community activities, informal gatherings and moments of relaxation throughout the year. Langley Design also supplied black twin wire mesh fencing, seamlessly integrated with the pergola structure. The fencing provides a secure boundary without compromising the open, contemporary aesthetic of the landscaped space.
Completing the external space is a beautifully crafted Sheldon Curved Bench (SBN346) with galvanised steel flat legs. The flowing curved design provides generous communal seating that encourages people to meet, rest and socialise while complementing the organic layout of the surrounding gardens. Manufactured from premium timber, the bench delivers both visual impact and exceptional long-term performance.
THE RESULT
An inviting community space that blends architecture, landscape and sustainability
Through close collaboration with Kier and Frank Shaw Architects, Langley Design delivered a bespoke package of timber structures and furniture that enhances both the functionality and identity of The Unity Centre.
The combination of living sedum roof canopies, elegant timber colonnades and garden pergolas creates welcoming, sheltered spaces that encourage year-round use while supporting biodiversity and sustainable placemaking.
Complemented by the striking curved Sheldon Bench, the external environment provides comfortable spaces for residents to meet, relax and enjoy the landscaped gardens, helping The Unity Centre fulfil its role as the heart of the Northstowe community.
The project demonstrates how bespoke timber structures, carefully designed and expertly manufactured, can create lasting community spaces that are both practical and visually distinctive while celebrating the natural beauty of sustainably sourced timber.
WHAT WE USED
Project products
Sheldon sedum roof canopies
scs304
sheldon pergola
sPG329
sheldon bench
sbn346
sheldon colonnade
sPG n/s
