RCA - The Building
The Building
Based on the various user groups and uses, the architects have prepared plans for the community facilities. The plans are for a single building on two levels, set back into the slope so it is accessible from the ground at both levels and to assist the building to blend with the landscape. The front is glassed, looking out across a wonderful view across the Raasay Sound towards the Cuillins. There is parking at the back and an open area in front. The interior has been designed to provide maximum flexibility of use. It consists of:
- Downstairs 
- Entrance from front of building
- A main hall (the full height of the building) suitable for gym, games, dances and performances.
- A kitchen which can open onto the hall and serve as a bar for licensed events.
- Toilets (including a toilet suitable for the disabled) and showers, with changing facilities for sports teams
- Plant room for heating /ventilation equipment
- Storage space
- Upstairs
- Entrance from rear of building
- A room intended for use for meetings and small scale events. This room can also be used as a spectators' gallery as it looks down on to the main hall.
- A room with a small office and space for public internet terminals
- A cloakroom / ticket office.
- Toilet for the disabled
- Externally accessed storage (for outdoor equipment)
The main hall will have a wooden floor suitable for sports but also to contribute to ensuring good acoustics. The building design incorporates state of the art insulation, thermal control and renewable resource features to maximise energy efficiency and minimise long term running costs. The heating system proposed is from a ground-source heat pump with under-floor heating and a heat-recovery ventilation system. The double-glazed glass front can open up on summer days and be screened off to minimise glare and provide black-out for film nights during the summer. The side walls are timber clad using local larch timber. The aim is to produce a beautiful, durable, public building which can provide for the range of current and future community uses for years to come.
