Cairngorms National Park Authority Headquarters

Located within the Grantown on Spey Conservation Area, the new CNPA Headquarters provides office and meeting accommodation for around 30 staff along with an appropriate and welcoming public face for the CNPA.

The pre-existing Category B Listed building at 14 The Square forms the north corner between Church Avenue and The Square. By occupying the area immediately to the rear of 14 The Square and maintaining a low profile to the street edge the new building simultaneously enlivens the south end of Church Avenue while respecting the pre-eminence of the original building in relation to The Square and High Street.

The new ‘L’ shape building connects through to the current building with a shallow indent on the street edge to allow for a relaxed public entrance. This indent is defined by the rear elevation of the existing premises, the entrance elevation of the extension and its return to the street edge. At its northern extremity the building comprises two storeys with a contra-monopitch roof. The lower volume that defines the re-entrant courtyard connects this two storey volume to its neighbour at ground level, with a glazed portal forming the ultimate connection with the rear facade of  14 The Square.