Action Stations

A Network Rail competition to re-imagine small and medium-sized stations with a sustainable modular system that reflects local communities

Architect: Projects Office
Budget: N/A
Competition Entry

Renders: Projects Office

Network Rail launched a competition to re-imagine small to medium-sized locations and how they can be brought into the heart of their communities whilst also aligning with Network Rail’s aspirations to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Action Stations’ approach was to incorporate local amenities, showcase and support local enterprise and communities, and make travel by train, bike and foot the most attractive option.

We created a modular kit-of-parts, much like the original Victorian “pattern books”, that was adaptable to different needs at different stations.

The colonnade and low level plinth were imagined in low-carbon concrete to provide robust and repeatable elements, whilst above them the Glulam timber frame created a broad canopy for different services as well as allowing simple customisation to reflect local communities and traditions.

Each building would optimise daylight and natural ventilation and would use ground-source heat and/or solar energy as appropriate to context and orientation.

The competition was open to architects, designers, and other professionals, and aimed to attract a range of creative and innovative proposals for small to medium-sized stations. The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the architecture, engineering, and rail industries, who were looking for designs that demonstrated a strong understanding of the needs of the local area and community, as well as innovation in design, construction, and sustainability.