Scottish architecture studio O'DonnellBrown has completed a comprehensive renovation and extension of a 1970s community center in Kilmarnock, Scotland, transforming it into a dynamic performing arts hub for the charitable organization Take A Bow. The project represents a successful example of adaptive reuse, preserving and enhancing the existing building fabric while creating a versatile space dedicated to youth performance and development.
Commissioned by the nonprofit performing arts organization Take A Bow in 2021, the project involved extensive community engagement from the early design phases. O'DonnellBrown worked closely with local residents and users to understand their specific needs and tailor the space accordingly. The comprehensive renovation included updating the building's entrance and exterior appearance, improving the existing auditorium, and strategically repositioning changing rooms to create better circulation flows.
The most striking feature of the transformation is a glued-laminated timber colonnade added along the south elevation of the building. This architectural element serves multiple functions while creating a unified visual identity for the complex. "Its primary function is to create a new frontage, one that unifies the new and existing parts of the building, and provides an improved sense of arrival," explained Michael Dougall, director of O'DonnellBrown. "Secondly, it provides a covered space which can be used by the adjoining cafe and as an external stage for performances."
The extension houses a multipurpose space equipped with suspended LED lighting, designed to accommodate rehearsals, youth work, and dance classes. During performances, this flexible area transforms into a changing room with direct access to the stage, addressing a critical shortcoming identified in the original building layout. The strategic positioning of this space improved the overall sequence of circulation while allowing the majority of existing internal partitions to remain intact.
Inside the main performance hall, new bleachers have been installed to create a flexible, auditorium-style venue suitable for various community activities. The theater is complemented by social spaces including a cafe and bar area, where a new window frames scenic views of the neighboring park. Custom plywood reception desks and bar counters have been added throughout, finished in pink and purple tones that reflect Take A Bow's brand identity.
Beyond performing arts, the renovated facility includes dedicated spaces for meetings and workshops that will serve broader community needs. These areas will host IT development courses, STEM classes, and holiday clubs, expanding the center's role as a comprehensive community resource. This diversification ensures the building can serve multiple demographic groups and maintain financial sustainability.
The renovation addressed significant structural and environmental challenges present in the original 1970s construction. The existing concrete blockwork required extensive updating due to problems with rising damp, asbestos contamination, and inadequate insulation. A new layer of wall insulation was installed to dramatically improve thermal performance, while a fresh purple render replaced the aging gray concrete exterior, creating a more vibrant and welcoming appearance.
Sustainability was a central focus of the project, with O'DonnellBrown collaborating with energy consultant Carbon Futures to develop a comprehensive efficiency strategy. The installation of air-source heat pumps and LED lighting systems throughout the facility has resulted in an impressive 70 percent reduction in the center's annual energy consumption and carbon emissions. These improvements significantly reduce operational costs while supporting environmental responsibility.
Despite the extensive renovations, the project maintained a strong commitment to preserving existing building elements wherever possible. "All existing windows which were not altered remained, and all existing floors and ironmongery were refurbished and retained," noted Dougall. "We set out to retain as much of the existing building as possible." This approach not only reduced construction waste but also honored the building's architectural heritage.
Founded in Glasgow in 2013 by Jennifer O'Donnell and Sam Brown, O'DonnellBrown has established itself as a leading Scottish architecture studio specializing in community-focused projects. Their recent work includes an outdoor shelter for an arts center in Edinburgh and a pavilion in a Scottish park constructed from recycled materials, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable design practices.
The completed Take A Bow center now serves as a model for community-centered architectural renovation. "The revitalized center is now a welcoming, low-energy space that supports a wide range of social, cultural and educational activities," concluded Dougall. The project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural intervention can breathe new life into aging community infrastructure while respecting both environmental concerns and local heritage. Photography of the completed project was captured by David Barbour, documenting the successful transformation from outdated community center to vibrant cultural hub.
