SCOTTISH ROWING CENTRE

Location: Motherwell, Strathclyde

Client: Scottish Amateur Rowing Association

Programme: Completed 2002

Built for Scottish Rowing, the Scottish Rowing Centre was primarily created to provide facilities for athletes, focussing on an indoor rowing tank that simulates moving water, allowing all-weather training. The centre also incorporates a gymnasium that is open to the public and provides revenue for the association.

The design evolved as a response to its major function along with its contextual relationship to the Strathclyde Park Loch and an existing Water Sports Centre. The materials of smooth white render, large areas of glass and a restrained use of timber all reflect the culture of rowing and athleticism contrasting with the existing building.

Natural ventilation techniques were favoured over traditional air conditioning and this led to the careful positioning of solid and glazed areas to avoid excessive heat gain. The front is articulated by a solid curved wall punctuated by a small window and provides a dramatic entrance to the building whilst the rear, which faces the loch, is fully glazed. Two large timber sliding doors allow the building to be opened up on warm days and there is a back-up extract system to support the natural ventilation at periods of peak use.

The interior is as open as possible with the glazing providing the feeling of the user being in an outdoor room. Other hi-tech facilities including video analysis, resulting in it being one of the most advanced rowing training facilities in Europe.