Description

The method of construction is an in-situ exposed concrete frame that provided spans of 7.5 to 11m to create an atrium with a high level of flexibility. The exposed columns and soffits create a thermal mass that contributes to the building’s environmental strategy for passive cooling. Due to the proximity of the Westway flyover, the building is acoustically sealed, which predicates the need for mechanical ventilation throughout.

Most of the school facilities are in a five-storey block with large bold stripes of external glazing, coloured terracotta tiles in green and yellow and panels that are illuminated at night. The layering of the elevations relates to the functions of the building internally. The sports facilities are housed in a separate two-storey timber clad block, allowing it to be used separately by the community.

A central glazed atrium provides the focus for the building and an abundance of natural light. Painted doors form a system of baffles to give shading. The central space serves as the hub of the school. On the ground floor are the café, lecture theatre, library and multi-functional ‘Long Room’ opening out onto the ‘market place’. A central stair links the different levels where wide corridors lead to classrooms and break-out areas. On the top floor is the dining room with a terrace giving views across the terraced landscape and trees to the motorway. The building is sealed and mechanically ventilated to keep out the noise.

‘Scissor staircases’ at either end of the building provide a means of escape. The exposed concrete frame of the building is brightened with coloured fluorescent lighting and painted acoustic panels, while bold graphics and slogans have been used throughout the school and in the sports hall. The toilets have been especially designed to prevent bullying and vandalism by being located next to a central space and having individual cubicles with dryers, mirrors and full-height walls.