Haynes Park Assembly Building

A 162.5m clear span dome that will be a visually striking new assembly building for the Science of the Soul multi-faith community and mindfulness organisation.

The form of the building takes inspiration from the natural characteristics of Bedfordshire’s Greensand Ridge. It will be covered in a green sedum roof that will create a biodiverse landscape and enhancement to Haynes Park.

The new building, which was granted planning permission by Central Bedfordshire Council & Bedford Borough Council, will have space for up to 25,000 people and sits within the grounds of the Grade 1 listed Haynes Park House in Bedfordshire. It will take the form of a shallow dome with a clear span of 162.5m, making it the largest clear span structure of its kind in the UK and within the top 30 worldwide.

A radial array of 30no. trusses spring from elevated plinths and rise to a central compression ring. This ring provides the space required to bring together the trusses at the crown of the dome. The significant thrust forces from arching action are accommodated through a combination of tension ring action in the structure and buttressing action from the elevated plinths and tying action of the concrete sub-structure. Early studies indicate that structural steel use would be within 85kg/m2 of roof area generated – which compares favourably with other large span structures such as stadia and arena.

The proposed design will use passive ventilation for most of the year. Fresh air will enter the dome at a low level and expelled out through vents at the pinnacle. In winter months there will be a reduced capacity of people. The incoming fresh air will be tempered. Under floor heating to the front third of the assembly hall will provide additional comfort locally.