Dance Studio at Hungerford Leisure Centre

Project Brief

Elite Systems secured this project through a competitive tender, responding to West Berkshire Council’s ambition to expand the range of opportunities available at Hungerford Leisure Centre. The requirement was for a high-quality modular studio space, to be linked directly to the existing building, with minimal disruption to the Centre’s ongoing operations.

Designed as an open-plan dance studio, the building spans 75.8m² and features a unique custom shape. A full turnkey solution was delivered by Elite Systems, including groundworks and foundations. The studio includes semi-sprung hardwood strip flooring, painted walls in a bespoke client colour, LED lighting, emergency lighting, and ceiling-mounted mechanical ventilation for user comfort.

Externally, the building is finished in striking Canadian larch vertical cladding, with anthracite aluminium fascia detailing and an EPDM roof membrane. Paving slabs were installed around the perimeter to enhance accessibility and appearance.

The build was completed in just four weeks on-site, scheduled around active use of the leisure centre to ensure safety and operational continuity.

CCS Supplier, Considerate Constructors, Investors in People, ISO

Outside

Vertical Canadian Larch Cladding – Naturally durable and aesthetically warm, selected to blend harmoniously with the leisure centre’s existing architecture.
Unique Custom Shape – Designed specifically to make the most efficient use of available land and provide a seamless link to the existing centre.
EPDM Roof Membrane – Durable, waterproof, and low-maintenance roofing solution with excellent resistance to UV and weathering.
Anthracite Aluminium Fascias – Added for a sleek, modern finish that contrasts subtly with the timber façade.
Hybrid Aircool Ventilation System – High-efficiency system providing fresh air, temperature regulation, and energy savings.
Perimeter Paving Slabs – Installed to create a safe and accessible threshold around the studio.
EPC A-Rated – Delivering outstanding energy efficiency through intelligent design and construction

Inside

Open Plan Layout – Spanning 75.8m², the internal space is designed as a flexible, multi-use studio suitable for group exercise classes and dance activities.
Semi-Sprung Hardwood Strip Flooring – Installed for optimum performance and safety during physical movement.
Custom-Coloured Painted Walls – Finished in a colour palette chosen by the client to suit the centre’s identity and interior design scheme.
Ash Internal Doors with Leaf Vision Panels – Allowing for light flow and visibility, while offering warmth and durability.
Ceiling-Mounted Mechanical Ventilation – Ensuring year-round airflow and comfort during busy sessions.
Fire Alarm System – Fully integrated in line with current safety standards.

Challenges & how we overcame them

Construction was executed within a highly constrained four-week timeframe, all while the Leisure Centre remained fully operational and accessible to the public every day. This scenario demanded meticulous planning and real-time coordination to balance ongoing site activities with construction progress. Our project teams worked hand-in-hand with Leisure Centre management and staff, establishing clear communication channels to schedule work during off-peak hours wherever possible, and carefully plan material deliveries to avoid congestion and interference with public access. Safety protocols were rigorously enforced, including the establishment of well-marked boundaries and barriers that physically separated construction zones from public areas.

Integrating the new studio seamlessly into theexisting Leisure Centre structure presentedsignificant challenges due to the complexity ofcoordinating across multiple disciplines —architectural, structural, and mechanical. Theconnection points required precision to ensurestructural integrity, maintain service continuity,and uphold building regulations. Our design andengineering teams collaborated intensively todevelop a bespoke interface solution that alignedwith the existing building’s layout and serviceinfrastructure. This included routing mechanicaland electrical services through constrained spaces,designing structural connections thataccommodated load transfers withoutcompromising the original building fabric, andensuring accessible entry points for users.

The studio’s unique, bespoke shape was adeliberate design choice to make the mostefficient use of the constrained site adjacent tothe existing leisure centre, while maintainingaesthetic harmony with the original building.However, this non-standard geometry introducedseveral layers of complexity throughout theproject. From a manufacturing standpoint, thebespoke shape meant that modular panels andstructural elements had to be fabricated withextremely tight tolerances. Unlike standardrectangular modules, these custom componentsrequired specialised tooling, quality control, andassembly techniques to ensure that all parts fitprecisely during on-site construction. Even minorinaccuracies could have caused misalignments,leading to delays and additional costs.

Achieving an EPC A-rating was a key target for thisproject, reflecting West Berkshire Council’scommitment to sustainability and long-termoperational efficiency. This requirement influencedmany aspects of design and construction, oftendemanding a careful balance betweenenvironmental goals, project cost, and the tightfour-week construction window. The team choseCanadian larch for its natural durability and lowmaintenance, avoiding the need for chemicaltreatments or frequent replacements. Internally,insulation standards were carefully specified toachieve high thermal performance, contributingsignificantly to the building’s airtightness andenergy efficiency. The Hybrid Aircool system waschosen for its ability to provide fresh,temperature-controlled air while minimisingenergy consumption through heat recovery andintelligent controls.

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From Concept to Completion

From groundworks and foundations to the final turnkey fit-out, Elite Systems GB handled the full delivery scope. Our modular approach meant that core elements were manufactured off-site while enabling early-stage groundwork and services to be completed simultaneously. This parallel delivery reduced on-site time and ensured the build aligned with the Council’s programme and budget.

Architectural drawings were used throughout to guide coordination across structure, M&E services, and aesthetic detailing — ensuring the studio was functionally robust and visually aligned with the Centre’s character.

The Results

The finished dance studio was delivered in just four weeks on site, achieving an EPC A-rating and a minimum 25-year life expectancy — offering long-term value to the local authority and community. The custom-shaped modular building provides a vibrant, high-spec environment that enhances the Leisure Centre’s programme of activities with minimal environmental impact and zero disruption to users during construction.

Key Outcomes:

Expanded fitness and wellbeing offer for local residents
Seamless integration with the existing Leisure Centre
Fully accessible and flexible internal space
Delivered on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption
A durable, future-ready asset for West Berkshire Council

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Dance Studio at Hungerford Leisure Centre