Johan Voordouw is a Senior Lecturer at De Montfort University, Leicester and a member of the research collaborative Horhizon. This project is part of an on-going interest in the revitalisation of the English Midlands and reinterpreting its cultural heritage. Beyond referencing a biological morphology this project is more focused on craft, space and light.

The Soar River Boathouse was a conceptual project attempting to form a stronger connection to both the historical and geographical context of Leicester while developing a new formal language for the surrounding area.

The boathouse references local materials and craft traditions within the confines of a strong traditional English sport. However, the fluid form attempts to invert these typical hierarchies and spaces leading to varied threshold of covered outdoor space, external indoor spaces and protruding roof voids that light the boat store.

The plan is divided across three floors. Above the ground floor boat store are the change facilities, training area and an outdoor covered terrace. The first floor office and a timing booth run parallel to the towpath and river for competitions and time trials. On the second floor is a lounge area with kitchenette and breakdown spaces for team meetings and socialising.