Bell Phillips + Kimble architects’ £2.5million design for a new clubhouse at Elstree Golf & Country Club has been granted detailed planning consent by Hertsmere Borough Council.
The design incorporates;
- A new two-storey clubhouse incorporating a bar and restaurant, changing facilities, a pro- shop and offices to replace the existing clubhouse,
- Refurbishment of the existing 30-bay driving range including new cladding and floodlighting.
- Remodelling of the existing course to provide a new 18th green adjacent to the clubhouse, and enlarged lake.
- Remodelling of the existing car park to provide new lighting, planting, and pedestrian access.
The new clubhouse has been designed to take advantage of the natural sloping topography of the greenfield site. A bridge link from the car park provides direct access into the hospitality facilities and terrace at the upper level which will benefit from sweeping panoramic views across the 18th green and the golf course beyond. The top floor will accommodate functions for up to 120 people or can be sub-divided into spike bar, lounge bar and restaurant.
Modern changing facilities, pro-shop and offices are located at the lower level, together with storage for golf trolleys and buggys.
The building is designed as an elegant, modern two-storey pavilion that responds sensitively to its greenfield context. The key feature of the building is its dramatic monopitch roof which will soar above the clubhouse opening up amazing views across the course and providing shelter to the generous terrace that extends along the building’s frontage. The facetted underside of the roof will be clad in timber which will be uplit at night to provide an iconic focal point for the golf course.
The development has been commissioned to revitalise the golf club and provide the club with exemplary facilities for its members that seeks to set a new standard for buildings of this type.
Construction is due to commence during March 2010 with the building due for completion by the end of the year.
Bell Phillips + Kimble was formed in 2007 as an amalgamation of Bell Phillips architects (formed in 2004 by Tim Bell and Hari Phillips) and Bob Kimble (formerly of Owen + Kimble).
The practice has a diverse portfolio of work that includes housing, masterplanning, offices and leisure. The company has achieved recent success with their competition-winning design for Gasholder No.8 at Kings Cross Central.
Elstree Golf & Country Club was founded in 1984 with a nine-hole course designed by Donald Steele. An additional nine holes and driving range were added in 1986. The current owners of the club, the Cottrell family, acquired the club in 2000.
Facilities currently provided include:
- 18 hole, par 73, 6556 yard golf course
- 200 yard driving range with 33 covered bays and 10 open bays.
- Practice green.
- Clubhouse accommodating a pro-shop, function room/restaurant, bar, lounge, meeting rooms, offices and ancillary accommodation.
- Car park for circa 300 cars.
The club is available to both members and visitors and offers various types of membership for gentlemen, ladies, younger members and juniors.
Bell Phillips + Kimble architects www.bp-k.com