The Emerge Surf project is an urban wavepool west of Birmingham.
The project includes the design of a new surfhub, cafe, surf-shop and surf school.
The site is located within an area of Greenbelt, between mature treenbands with agricultural land to the east and south.
The architectural language bridges the gap between craft and industrial scale by adding softness and human touches.
These are key themes and strengths of early Scandinavian design that sought more beautiful every day objects.
Dark timber facade materials allow the building to blend into the landscape and by contrast, softer, lighter materials give warmth to the spaces.
Expressive internal volumes celebrate exposed structure and services giving honesty and clarity to the building. Grain andtexture is added at low level through tactile linings and robust surfaces.
A further, continual source of inspiration is the contrasting calmness and energy of the waves that will be an amazing assault on the senses.
The buildings, landscape and water should be in harmony to create a unique atmosphere to surf, play, relax, enjoy and live in the moment.