How Honeycomb gave a charity hub its own architectural identity
Creating a contemporary building in a historic setting is never straightforward. For Aim Up, a UK charity supporting adults with disabilities and additional needs, the challenge was even greater: designing a welcoming new activity hub that respected its surroundings while establishing an identity of its own.
CUPACLAD Design Honeycomb proved to be the perfect solution.
The new Hub was built within the grounds of Well Close House, Aim Up’s existing site in Cheltenham. Beyond creating a welcoming space, the project had to meet strict planning requirements due to its proximity to a Grade I Listed building.
Natural slate was a key part of the solution. The new building needed to complement Cheltenham’s Regency character while expressing its own contemporary identity, a balance that ultimately shaped the architects’ choice of façade.
When natural slate becomes a design tool
Inspired by the hexagonal patterns found throughout nature, Honeycomb transforms the façade into a dynamic composition of light, shadow and texture, giving the building a distinctive architectural identity while remaining true to its surroundings.
As Dan Stiff, Director at Boughton Butler, explains:
The unconventional slate pattern gave the building a distinctive and contemporary look. The Honeycomb effect added depth and texture, giving the slate cladding a far more dynamic appearance than a standard layout could achieve.
Honeycomb is one of the distinctive patterns available within the CUPACLAD Design range, a façade system created to give architects complete freedom to explore the creative potential of natural slate.
Looking for a façade that reflects your architectural vision? Explore the full CUPACLAD Design collection or contact us to develop a bespoke natural slate pattern for your next project.
Designed around people
The completed Hub now provides a flexible space for fitness sessions, training programmes, therapeutic workshops and social activities, creating a welcoming environment for the people Aim Up supports every day. Large areas of architectural glazing flood the interior with natural light, reinforcing the building’s open and inclusive character.
Behind its striking appearance, the building also reflects an innovative approach to construction. Based on a modular structure, it combines speed of installation with the long-term durability and performance of natural slate, demonstrating that contemporary construction methods and traditional materials can work hand in hand.
As the team at Showplace explains:
The Hub has far exceeded expectations and provides Aim Up with a landmark space for the people they support. They have been particularly positive about the visual impact of the slate cladding and the way the design balances practicality with presence.
For Aim Up, Honeycomb became far more than a cladding pattern. It helped create a building with its own identity, one that respects Cheltenham’s historic character while offering an inspiring space for the community it serves.
