![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_herob-852x479.jpg)
Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt completes angular youth centre in Hampshire
Recessed windows set into the facades of this youth centre in the English town of Tadley feature faceted timber-lined frames that contrast the building's dark fibre-cement cladding.
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Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, an architecture practice based in nearby Basingstoke, designed The Point to provide the local community with facilities including multipurpose halls, a music room and recording studio, a cafe and an outdoor recreation space.
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x413.jpg)
The 410-square-metre building was designed in collaboration with the town's young people, who use the building during weekday afternoons and evenings. The wider community has access during the daytime and weekends.
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"We worked closely with the young people of Tadley to develop a sculptural design that is a landmark building for them and the wider community," said architect David Ayre, "but more than that, it's somewhere they can truly call their own."
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_12-852x918.jpg)
The centre is located on a previously empty plot beside an existing 1980s community centre. Its L-shaped plan flanks an entrance courtyard, which is paved in stripes of alternating light and dark grey slabs.
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The building is intended as a "modern and playful" complement to its neighbours, with a roof that slopes down at the rear to prevent overshadowing adjacent properties.
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x959.jpg)
At its highest point, the facade overlooking the courtyard contains a picture window with wood-veneer lining its faceted frame. A similar opening on the ground floor provides a view into the main hall.
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x727.jpg)
Timber is also used for the entrance, and to frame sliding glass doors that connect the ground-floor spaces with the courtyard. The wood provides a warm contrast to the dark fibre-cement panels that extend across the walls and roof.
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x791.jpg)
"The roof, with its dark folded 'cloak' appearance, gives the building a contemporary edge, while internally a series of uplifting spaces create an environment the young people want to use everyday," said Ayre.
Inside the centre, walls and ceilings are lined with birch-faced plywood that lends the spaces a bright and warm appearance. The ceiling's angular form is emphasised by its exposed laminated-timber beams.
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x1507.jpg)
As well as the main hall, the ground floor accommodates a large reception area containing a cafe, with a kitchen and bathrooms to the rear. A staircase ascends behind a slatted wooden screen to the level above.
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x866.jpg)
A music room and recording studio, meeting room, multipurpose hall and breakout spaces are housed on the upper level, while a spine containing storage and secluded activity pods occupies the space at the junction of the two wings.
![The Point New Youth Centre in Hampshire by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/the-point-new-youth-centre-in-hampshire-ayre-chamberlain-gaunt-architecture-hampshire-uk_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x943.jpg)
The new external recreation area is lined with a long concrete bench and creates a connection between the existing community centre and The Point.
Photography is by Hufton + Crow.