The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
This design for the private co-educational day school for pupils aged four to 18 years wowed the judges: ‘Blows your socks off in terms of the architecture,’ said one.
It takes the form of a string of pavilion-like pyramidal glulam roof structures, each with a glazed lantern, which are fronted by a cloister-like brick colonnade that edges an old orchard and adjoins Edwardian school buildings. Its form was described by another judge as ‘rising like a landscape’, while internally its main hall refectory spaces were commended for being: ‘Beautifully detailed, with integrated lighting and acoustics seamlessly made into architecture.’
The building’s design, which, aside from timber, utilises materials such as hand-made bricks, plain clay tiles and Yorkstone, also incorporates a full commercial kitchen with specialist pastry kitchen plus a hospitality annexe. A mezzanine floor above the kitchen and servery also accommodates a Sixth Form dining area and study centre.
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It is a timber-framed building and was commended by the judges as the most sustainably constructed on the shortlist. Its low-level thermal mass, form and roof volume encourage passive operational efficiency, creating natural stack and night-time ventilation.
‘Awe-inspiring, like a contemporary medieval hall, yet not overbearing. It creates big volumes that are really warm and welcoming for students,’ concluded the judges.
Shortlist
- Centre for Creative Learning by BDP
- The Mitchell Building at The Skinners’ School by Bell Phillips Architects
- Brentwood Preparatory School Expansion by Cottrell & Vermeulen
- Barton Farm Primary Academy by Hampshire County Council Property Services
- Barony Campus by Sheppard Robson
- St Paul’s School – General Teaching Building by Walters & Cohen Architects
- St Mary’s Calne School Library by Woods Bagot
Judges
- Mellis Haward, director, Archio
- David Leech, director, David Leech Architects
- Tajal Rutherford-Bhatt, director, tp bennett