St Monica Trust – Cote Lane Village Hub

St Monica Trust, a leading provider of later living and care in Bristol, wanted to create a welcoming space where residents, visitors and staff could meet, relax and spend time together.

The new Hub transforms an underused car park in the courtyard of Oatley House, a Grade II listed building at the heart of St Monica Trust’s Cote Lane retirement village.

Bringing a shared vision to life

Working in close partnership with the Trust, we have supported the project from RIBA Stage 2 onwards. Our interdisciplinary team has provided architecture, MEP engineering, structural and civil engineering, cost management, geo-environmental consultancy, health and safety (CDM principal designer), project management and sustainability services, and continues to support delivery as construction progresses.

We built on the previously approved planning design, refining it to improve buildability, value and the overall experience, while remaining sensitive to the site's historic character. We developed a design that feels contemporary without competing with its surroundings, while giving the village a distinctive new social space.

Contemporary design in a historic setting

The Hub has been designed to sit comfortably within its surroundings while introducing a confident contemporary identity. A folded façade, full-height glazing and a distinctive floating roof create a light, welcoming pavilion that complements the neighbouring stone buildings and the buttressed forms of St Augustine’s Chapel.

Inside, the open-plan café is bright and airy, with natural daylight highlighting the exposed glulam timber structure. Natural materials and acoustic treatments create a calm and comfortable environment for residents and visitors.

A green roof with integrated rooflights draws daylight deep into the building, while the exposed timber structure brings warmth and character. Together, these elements support the project's sustainability ambitions and subtly reference the arches and vaulted forms of the surrounding historic buildings.

Large areas of glazing strengthen the connection to landscaped courtyards, creating a flexible social space that feels open, welcoming and rooted in its setting.

Adding value through collaboration

We worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the Hub met both operational needs and design ambitions.

We coordinated detailed surveys, developed a fully integrated Stage 4 design and worked with specialist consultants, including the interior designer and timber frame contractor.

Through careful value engineering and technical refinement, we protected the architectural vision while responding to budget considerations, ensuring quality wasn't lost as the design developed.

One of the key improvements came through the structural design. By removing several internal columns, as well as one external column, we created a more open, flexible space with clearer circulation and improved views through the building.

We also designed an additional glazed link connecting the Hub to the existing building, improving day-to-day connectivity while creating a light-touch transition between the historic and contemporary architecture.

Designed for everyday connection

Construction is now underway, and we continue to support the project through delivery.

Working alongside RED Construction, our design team remains actively engaged throughout the build, while our retained client management team continues to provide strategic advice, reviewing the evolving design and helping to ensure the original vision is realised on site.

Working closely with the Trust, residents and the wider project team, we are also helping coordinate communication throughout the project. By keeping stakeholders informed and supporting effective collaboration, we are helping to maintain momentum as the Hub moves closer to completion.

When complete in early 2027, the Hub will provide a welcoming new destination at the heart of St Monica Trust's Cote Lane village, bringing people together in a space designed around community, wellbeing and everyday life.