A Heart for Duns
Client
A Heart for Duns
Location
Duns, Scottish Borders
Sector
Community
The Challenge
With a capacity of 300, the Volunteer Hall is a vital community asset but was limited by outdated facilities and a series of unsympathetic extensions. The challenge was to respect and enhance the hall’s historic character while introducing flexible new spaces that could support both large-scale theatre events and everyday community use within a coherent, modern design.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
James Armstrong
Architectural Assistant
James Armstrong
Architectural Assistant
James joined Aitken Turnbull’s Galashiels office in September 2024 after graduating from Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) with an M.Arch (Hons). With a keen interest in heritage and conservation, he has contributed to a variety of residential, civic, and heritage projects since starting at AT. James brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his work, balancing creativity with respect for historic contexts. Outside of the practice, he writes for the AHSS Magazine and enjoys sketching, combining his passion for architecture with his artistic talents. James is quickly becoming a valuable member of the team, supporting Aitken Turnbull’s commitment to quality and care in every project.
Our Approach
The design concept balances heritage with renewal. The main hall is retained, while ad hoc additions are replaced with a rational, contemporary layout. A new café forms the social heart of the building, creating an inviting entrance and a focal point for community activity. A secondary hall expands the range of events the building can host, and flexible circulation ensures 360-degree access to the main hall, improving functionality for performances and gatherings.
Externally, subtle contemporary references—echoing the gabled forms of nearby buildings—allow the extension to sit naturally within the townscape. Internally, the spaces are designed to be adaptable, welcoming, and accessible, ensuring the Volunteer Hall continues to serve the evolving needs of the Duns community.
The Conclusion
The Volunteer Hall redevelopment will secure the building’s future as a cultural and social cornerstone for Duns. By combining respect for heritage with contemporary design, the project creates a welcoming, multifunctional venue that supports theatre, events, and daily community life. The scheme is currently progressing through the funding stage.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
James Armstrong
Architectural Assistant
James joined Aitken Turnbull’s Galashiels office in September 2024 after graduating from Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) with an M.Arch (Hons). With a keen interest in heritage and conservation, he has contributed to a variety of residential, civic, and heritage projects since starting at AT. James brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his work, balancing creativity with respect for historic contexts. Outside of the practice, he writes for the AHSS Magazine and enjoys sketching, combining his passion for architecture with his artistic talents. James is quickly becoming a valuable member of the team, supporting Aitken Turnbull’s commitment to quality and care in every project.
James Armstrong
Architectural Assistant
James joined Aitken Turnbull’s Galashiels office in September 2024 after graduating from Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) with an M.Arch (Hons). With a keen interest in heritage and conservation, he has contributed to a variety of residential, civic, and heritage projects since starting at AT. James brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his work, balancing creativity with respect for historic contexts. Outside of the practice, he writes for the AHSS Magazine and enjoys sketching, combining his passion for architecture with his artistic talents. James is quickly becoming a valuable member of the team, supporting Aitken Turnbull’s commitment to quality and care in every project.
great together