Buddens Activities Centre
Jurassic Coast Activity and Outdoor Education Centre - Off Grid Facilities
Nestled within the scenic countryside of the Jurassic Coast, the campsite facilities, completed in 2024, provide an innovative approach to off-grid sanitation and sustainability. Combining practicality with rural charm, this project offers a self-sufficient solution tailored to its remote location. Commissioned by Rockley, the brief called for a sustainable and autonomous facility to serve a distant corner of the expansive camping area of the site.
Project Director: Ryan Martin
Project Lead: Adam Radwanski
Contractor: Howarth Construction
Planning Consultant: CL Planning
The remote location necessitated a self-reliant design, disconnected from conventional utilities. The design echoes the traditional agricultural buildings of the region, utilising simple forms and natural materials to blend seamlessly with the rural surroundings. This understated approach ensures that the new structure enhances the site’s natural character.
Traditional construction methods were paired with modern sustainable technologies, ensuring a low-impact build. The structural timber poles and prefabricated components expedited assembly while reducing waste.
The compact yet open layout ensures accessibility and efficient use of space. Cantilevered trusses support a lightweight roof that defines the covered walkways, fostering a sense of shelter and openness. The palette is understated, characterised by clean lines, tonal use of colour, timber structure, and corrugated roofing. These materials were chosen for their durability, sustainability, and capacity to blend into the environment.
The building is entirely off-grid, powered by solar panels and equipped with battery storage. A self-contained sewage treatment plant eliminates the need for external connections, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The project supports the campsite’s mission of environmental stewardship and education, demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainable living.