Our vision is to create beautiful architecture where the site and building merge so that you can no longer imagine one without the other.
DESIGNDESIGNENGINEARCHITECTS\\SCHOOLS THROU INNOV 2
0 COMPLETED PROJECTS ABOUT 1 2 CURRENT N4–17 COMPLETE 72–91 18–71 INTRODUCTION COMPLETE PROJECTS CURRENT PROJECTS 04 our values 18 charterhouse school, godalming 72 stowe school, buckingham 72 design, technology & engineering 06 our expertise 18 science & mathematics centre 08 sustainability 26 fletcherites dining hall centre 10 inspiring tomorrow 32 fletcherites boarding house 12 school clients 80 la mare de carteret, guernsey 14 our approach 38 downe house school, berkshire 80 high school and primary school 38 murray centre UGH16awards 86 winchester college, winchester 46 radley college, abingdon 86 southern campus 46 clocktower court 52 les beaucamps, guernsey 52 high school 64 sports centre 68 john keble primary school, hursley 68 multimedia suite VATION 3
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS OUR VALUESWe see design as a balance of analysis, innovation and habitation – where ideas emerge almost as an inevitable consequence of a full understanding of Est.context,siteandbrief. a short overview Richard Rose-Casemore, Richard Jobson and Rodney Graham formed Design Engine Architects as a Private Limited Company in December 2001. Since 2001, our dedicated team of staff in our Winchester, London and Exeter studios have been sculpting award-winning, dynamic architecture in the education, business, public and private sectors, with projects in local, national and international arenas. Our signature lies not in formulae or style, but in unique high-quality design and technical resolution, where intensive research leads to responsible innovation. We are challenging in our approach, believing the potential for quality lies behind every unpromising beginning. We do not always need big budgets to achieve big results, and often exceed our clients’ expectations by achieving striking architecture from modest budgets. The professional delivery of our projects is important to us; we monitor the 2000qualityandserviceofconstructionuptoandbeyondoccupation. 4
COMPLETED PROJECTS Rodney Graham Richard Rose-Casemore Richard Jobson Founding Director Founding Director Founding Director 0DavidGausden John Ridgett Director Director director-led design We believe in a design approach we call ‘Design by Dialogue’. From one-to-one briefings to wider presentations, close consultation with all project stakeholders ensures they feel part of the process and maintain a sense of ownership. This is a key part of our service and is never a time-limited exercise. The client briefing in particular is essential to the relationship-building process and when properly undertaken always leads to a truly successful project. Our projects are always director-led from inception to completion. 5
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SACBHOOUOT LS OUR EXPERTISE We have found that by not restricting ourselves to one discipline we have enjoyed a considerable range of exciting projects within our practice. Ultimately this has led us towards new specialisms. Within our practice, we find that each and every project has its own journey to make where there is rarely a one–size–fits–all solution to be found. After all, ‘architecture’ is a collaborative act and design without dialogue can be an empty and unfulfilling vocation. The eclectic nature of our work does suggest that our skills are not restricted to one particular field. Whether designing furniture, bridges, interiors, housing, theatres, schools or universities, the tools that we use to solve problems and make things are the same. It is in an architect’s nature to want to design everything with the same enthusiasm and vigour, and we are no exception. 6 6
COMPLETED PROJECTS architecture bridges campus design With our understanding of materials, and Our bridge designs in particular display Our University and School projects experience with the reality of making a very pure fusion of structure and demonstrate how flexible accommodation, buildings, we create robust architecture architecture, with strong sculpture and easy wayfinding, environmental control that matures with dignity. geometrical qualities. and quality external space all benefit the teaching, learning and social development experience. landscape interior design masterplanning Wherever possible our designs integrate We often design the interiors of our own The masterplan is a living document which architecture with landscape, working with new buildings, but also enjoy breathing describes a framework for development. the finest landscape consultants in order new life into existing spaces and places. to capitalise on the symbiotic relationships between the flora, fauna, people and building. graphics conservation Our buildings should speak for themselves We enjoy breathing life and dignity back to in terms of navigation and use, but clear forgotten or misused buildings and spaces. wayfinding can also help orientation. 7
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS SUS TA IN A BILIT Y We take seriously the impact our buildings have on the environment and as a standard always aim for BREEAM Excellent. In the work we complete for our clients we recognise our responsibility to the environment so we always design from first principles. This way we ensure best practice from the outset rather than applying secondary green ‘bolt-ons’ to help improve the performance of our buildings. We adopt passive systems wherever possible which involves making the building work hard in its own right. We recognise our responsibility to promote the sustainable use of the world’s valuable natural resources and understand the impacts that could have upon the environment during the course of carrying out work. We are committed to achieving excellent environmental performance at all times, regardless of the size or type of work that is being undertaken. Alongside the professional advice that we give to our clients we also adopt these procedures into our everyday business activities, maintaining ISO 9001 and 14001 accreditations. Within the last 18 months we have installed an extensive photovoltaic array to the roof of our Winchester studio, which is largely offsetting the electricity used by our computer workstations. 8
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DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS 1 2 3 4 10
COMPLETED PROJECTS INSPIRING TOMORROW Our buildings demonstrate how flexible accommodation, easy way-finding, environmental control and quality external space all benefit the teaching, learning and social development experience. 1 ← Murray Centre, Downe House before Designing Schools (left) and after (right) We are an award-winning architectural practice based in Winchester, London and Exeter with 20 years of educational experience, 3 ← Clocktower Court, Radley College specialising in independent school commissions. before (left) and after (right ©Nick Kane) Our approach to projects focuses on the unique needs of each school. 3 ← Science and Mathematics Building, We always strive to deliver end results that are sustainable in design Charterhouse before (left) and after (right) and function, delivered professionally on time and to budget. 4 ← Les Beaucamps, before (left) and after We have accrued huge experience and a strong reputation in the (right ©Edmund Sumner) education sector. We are very fortunate to have worked extensively with independent schools; our current client list includes Charterhouse, Radley, Winchester College, Stowe, Berkhamsted and Canford. We aim to deliver environmentally sustainable buildings, often within historically sensitive contexts, which contribute to measurable improvement in both the teaching and learning experience and ultimately in pupil attainment. Whilst our education projects have received numerous awards over the years, we believe the greater mark of their success is how they might inspire generations of young people to benefit from the gift of education. Our hope is that in some way the environments we create for them will help inspire them to look at the world anew and appreciate spaces that have been thoughtfully crafted. 11
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COMPLETED PROJECTS SCHOOL CLIENTS We are proud to have received repeat commissions from many of our Clients, which we consider a testament to exceeding their expectations. ← Science and Mathematics Centre, Charterhouse interior © Jim Stephenson 13
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS APPROACH Our buildings must provide a continual source of enjoyment whilst achieving functionality at all levels. So throughout the design and construction process we always have the eventual users in mind, as well as the building’s impact on the public realm. 14
COMPLETED PROJECTS 01 02 03 Understand Respond Explore We establish clear communication with the Complex issues can be simplified with A chance to challenge conventions client and stimulate discussion. We listen metaphor and the underlying logic of the and explore the unexpected through to the client’s aspirations and develop the site and brief is pursued and understood. rigorous thought process and analysis. brief with them. The aim is to understand Radical proposals are used to stimulate Inspiration is sought from outside the realm the essence of the site and brief and debate and focus minds. of architecture to reach beyond simple identify the unique characteristics and functionality. needs. 04 05 06 Refine Deliver Feedback We never rush to early conclusions so Our experience has taught us that clear Our quality assurance ensures the delivery to allow for serendipitous discovery. We communication and co-ordination with retains the ambitions of its conception but constantly check that priorities are aligning contractors and specialists allows for we like to reflect on our projects as there with our sustainability standards as well as an efficient and enjoyable construction are always lessons to be learnt. analysing any cultural concerns of the site experience. and brief. 15
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SACBHOOUTOLS AWARDS Science and Mathematics Building, Charterhouse 2001–2019 RIBA South East Winner 64 overall awards People’s Choice Waverley Design Awards We see awards as recognition Hubert Perrodo Building of our commitment to St. Peter’s College, Oxford creating outstanding projects. Civic Trust Award, Commendation OxPROP Highly Commended Project of the Year Oxford Preservation Trust Award Certificate Science and Mathematics Building, Charterhouse The Godalming Trust Civic Design Award Hubert Perrodo Building St. Peter’s College, Oxford RIBA Regional Award Design Workshops & Studios Arts Univ. Bournemouth Civic Trust Award, Commendation Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts RICS: Community Benefit Award Winner SPACES Highly Commended Award: Community Category Design Workshops & Studios, Arts Univ. Bournemouth RICS: Design Through Innovation Award; RIBA Regional Award Winton Chapel, Univ. of Winchester RIBA Regional Award; Civic Voice Design Award Overall & Historic Buildings Winner Student Services, Arts Univ. Bournemouth SPACES Highly Commended Award: Innovation Category Civic Building of the Year; SPACES Client of the Year Award Winner 9Universities Christchurch Bridge, Reading 3Bridges Civic Trust Award Commendation 10Schools Student Services, Arts Univ. Bournemouth 3Commercial 9Public RIBA Regional Award 9Residential Bradbury Place, Andover Practice Housing Design Awards; Richard Feilden Award Design Engine Architects RIBA South Practice of the Year Award Clocktower Court, Radley College RIBA Regional Award; Civic Trust Award; Oxford Preservation Trust Award Les Beaucamps High School, Guernsey Civic Trust Award; Guernsey Design Award John Henry Brookes Building, Oxford Brookes Univ. RIBA National Award & Stirling Prize Midlist; RIBA Regional Sustainability Award; RIBA Regional Building of the Year Award; RIBA Regional Award; AJ Retrofit Higher Education Award; Education Estates Student Experience Award; Oxford Preservation Trust Award St Alphege Building, Univ. of Winchester Civic Trust Award; Solent Urban Design Award Jesselton Quay, Malaysia MIPIM Future Project Awards, Highly Commended, Mixed Use St Alphege Building, Univ. of Winchester RIBA Regional Award; City of Winchester Trust Joint overall Winner; City of Winchester Trust Sustainability Award Winner Les Beaucamps High School, Guernsey RIBA Regional Award; RIBA Regional Client of the Year Award 16
COMPLINETTERDOPDRUOCJTEICOTNS Hatherley Studio, Winchester RIBA Award; RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize; City of Winchester Trust Award Egbert Road, Winchester RIBA South East & South Downland Prize Ibstock Private House, Winchester RIBA South East & South Downland Prize Ibstock Gifford HQ, Southampton Building Services Best Office Award; IStructE David Alsop Award Hill Close Gardens, Warwick Force Award for Low Energy Buildings 8 John Stripe, Univ. of Winchester City of Winchester Trust Award Roseville Housing, Guernsey 6 RIBA Award, Civic Trust Special Award British Embassy, Yemen Emirates Glass Leaf Sustainable Building of the Year; RIBA International Award; Quality in Construction Awards International Project Highly Commended Roseville Housing, Guernsey RTPI Award South West Commendation Univ. Centre, Univ. of Winchester RIBA Award Buro Happold Offices, Bath Design Quality Award Listed Building Hill Close Gardens, Warwick Landscape Institute Award, Heritage & Conservation Highly Commended Univ. Centre, Univ. of Winchester City of Winchester Trust, New Building Design Award Redhayes Bridge, Exeter British Construction Industry Award; IStructE Structural Award Performing Arts, Univ. of Winchester Civic Trust Award Univ. Centre, Univ. of Winchester Best Bar None Award 17
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS CENTRE charterhouse school, godalming Three steeply pitched roofs aid the internal, functional requirements of the labs as well as providing a focal point to the vista. our role: Architecture | Interiors | Landscaping Founded in 1611, Charterhouse is one client: Charterhouse School of the great historic public schools of project manager : Ridge England. With four centuries of history cost consultant : Fanshawe behind it, the School is committed to structural engineer: Heyne Tillett Steel being at the forefront of educational services engineer: Sweco progress in the twenty-first century. The main contractor: Total Construction Ltd School’s aim was to revolutionise the way fire consultant: Sweco Science and Mathematics subjects are acoustic consultant: Sustainable Acoustics taught at Charterhouse by fostering inter- cdmc: Currie and Brown and intra-departmental collaboration, building control: JM Partnership providing a world-class learning environment for current and future 2018 generations of pupils. completion The new Science and Mathematics Centre provides: 1800M² • 50% more space overall, comprising 7 • The co-location of Science and area new chemistry laboratories with wet Mathematics for the first time, and dry teaching areas, 5 mathematics fostering greater collaboration 18 classrooms, 2 preparation rooms and a project research room • Additional space for practical work and the potential to introduce longer- • A flexible and modern environment of running experiments which will no the highest quality longer need to be dismantled at the end of each class • More scope to innovate in the development of new teaching methods, lead the way academically
COMPLETED PROJECTS ↑ View from the south west showing the new Science & Mathematics Centre's relationship to the existing estate. “ This is a very well-considered addition to a forgotten corner of the campus of a large independent school. The design developed over many years and through several changes of the client structure. This allowed the project to mature and distil a super contextual approach to the many differing adjacent buildings and constraints. ” — RIBA Awards Citation, May 2019 19
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS ↑ North elevation. © Jim Stephenson Datum ↓ Competition stage proportion system diagram 94.00m illustrating the north elevation. 20
COMPLETED PROJECTS The site lies towards the North Eastern edge of the campus. Characterised by the historic architecture and setting, the buildings, largely designed by the Architect Philip Charles Hardwick, are predominately Gothic Revival / Neo- Gothic in nature, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Our scheme, featuring three steeply pitched roofs expressing the 6 Chemistry Labs below, creates a subtle but important architectural link to the original campus which is heavily reliant on these forms. Not only does this roof articulate a building form which is contextually appropriate, but also provides a focal point to the vista from the primary entrance to the school on Prince’s Drive, as well as providing the appropriate form to deal with the internal and functional requirements of the Chemistry Labs within. Not only does this roof articulate a building form which is contextually appropriate, but also provides a focal point to the vista from the primary entrance to the school on Prince’s Drive, as well as offering a support structure to deal with the internal and functional requirements of the Chemistry Labs within. ← View of chimneys. 21
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS 14 13 1 6 2 5 12 3 4 11 9 7 10 8 1 New Science and Mathematics 8 The Old Bursary Centre 9 Hall 10 Library 2 Museum Building 11 Scholar's Court 3 Science Building 12 C Block 4 Modern Languages Centre 13 Engineer's Cottage 5 Beveridge Centre 14 New Block 6 Old Laundry 7 Girdlestoneites → Axonometric of a chimney. 22
COMPLETED PROJECTS ↑ View of courtyard from Science and Mathematics Centre. ↓ Competition stage sketch showing how the new building fits into the wider campus and provides a balance to the northen approach to the school. “ We are delighted with our new Science and Mathematics building and the new inspirational spaces within which to work and learn. Design Engine and the Contractor have worked hard to meet our briefing needs and have delivered a top class facility of which the school is rightfully proud.” — Emma Humphreys, Estate Bursar, Charterhouse School 23
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS ↑ Central courtyard to the Science & Mathematics Centre. 24
COMPLETED PROJECTS 1 2 1↑ A typical first floor laboratory. © Jim Stephenson 2↑ First floor corridor space. © Jim Stephenson 25
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS Entrance portico to dining hall. ©26Keith Collie
COMPLETED PROJECTS FLETCHERITES DINING HALL charterhouse school, godalming Creating a sense of individuality to the dining space through new roof geometry. our role: Architecture | Interiors Design Engine were commissioned served as a creative element of the project client: Charterhouse School by Charterhouse following an invited but was also a deliberate echo of the cost consultant : Jackson Coles competition with five other practices, architectural roof play of the existing structural engineer: Thomasons and this project formed one of a series building, creating a sense of individuality main contractor: Total Construction Ltd identified within our masterplan for the to the space held below. cdmc: HDC School campus. building control: HDC The original 1972 dining rooms were 2011 designed by architect Richard Gilbert- Scott, son of Sir Giles Gilbert-Scott, as completion part of the construction of the iconic 1970s ‘new houses’ accommodation. The 300M² unique design of the original dining hall building is a result of the long established area tradition of pupils being allocated a Housemaster, which in turn has resulted in each house enjoying its own dining hall. A large central kitchen efficiently serves these seven dining rooms. The brief for a new dining hall to serve the new day house had to fit the required number of pupils within the space. The concept behind the building is driven by observing a close hierarchy between the striking existing dining rooms roof form and the open and attractive nature of the greenbelt site. The new roof geometry 27
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS ↑ Colannade entrance. In recent years Charterhouse School has The materials used in the construction © Keith Collie offered a Day House, ‘Fletcherites’, for of the building were also integral to non-boarding sixth form girls and boys. the concept, using a simple palette of 28 This meant that the current new Central materials to form an external colonnade/ Dining Rooms were insufficient in size and covered walkway. This colonnade also layout and needed extending to meet the provides a sizable overhanging cover current need. providing natural solar shading to the The only available site for development south façade. Zinc and aluminium was to the south of the existing dining cladding were used extensively as the rooms where there was an existing hard external cladding material and drew a landscaped area (a former reflecting pool). distinct line between existing and new. The site is close to existing boarding Larch panels within the curtain walling houses and sits within a classified soften the façade and relate directly to the greenbelt area of land. open landscape to the south, drawing it in to the building plan. The planning constraints were such that The project was delivered on time within the visual amenity of the greenbelt was a strict 26-week construction period. not to be affected by any development on The completion of the dining rooms was the site. With this in mind the scheme needed in time for the arrival of the new needed to be sensitive in nature both to day boarding pupils. its surrounding landscape and the existing building to which it adjoined.
COMPLETED PROJECTS “ The extension is of great value to the school providing much more than a dining room - it has opened up the space for hospitality use presenting an up-to-date image and vastly improving the offer. ” — Emma Humphreys, Estates Bursar, Charterhouse School ↓ View of dining hall from pedestrian route. © Keith Collie 29
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS ↑ Canopied entrance in the day. © Keith Collie ← Conceptual model. 1 → New dining hall with halls of residence behind. © Keith Collie 2 ↗ → Dining hall interiors. © Keith Collie 30
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COMPLETED PROJECTS FLETCHERITES BOARDING HOUSE charterhouse school, godalming A new two-storey building providing boarding accommodation for 6th form girls and associated staff. ← The sawtooth facade looking towards our role: Architecture | Interiors | Landscaping Charterhouse Fletcherites comprises the school sports pitches. client: Charterhouse School a new two-storey building to provide project manager : Fanshawe boarding accommodation for thirty- cost consultant : Fanshawe six 6th form girls, house tutors and a structural engineer: Thomasons matrons flat at Charterhouse School services engineer: P3R in Godalming, Surrey. Completed main contractor: Total Construction Ltd in September 2015 to a challenging cdmc: Tigeley Associates timescale, this was a case study of a building control: JMP Partnership positive working relationship between planning consultant: Vail Williams LLP client, design team and contractor. The extension provides approximately 1140m2 2015 of new accommodation at a budget of approximately £2.4m. completion Fletcherites Phase 2 involves the internal reorganisation of the existing Fletcherites 1140M² Northbrook building to provide staff and teaching facilities and boarding area accommodation for twelve boys. In total the new boarding house provides accommodation for 36 girls, 12 boys and 5 day pupils complete with associated staff accommodation. 33
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS ↑ View of South elevation with sports pitches → View from the adjacent Hodgsonites Boarding in the foreground. House of the East elevation sawtooth facade. 34
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COMPLETED PROJECTS ↑ View from the adjacent Hodgsonites Boarding House of the East elevation sawtooth facade. 37
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS MURRAY CENTRE downe house school, berkshire A visually and experientially inspiring building that sits at the heart of the campus. our role: Architecture | Interiors Following an invited design competition client: Downe House School in 2013, we were commissioned to develop cost consultant : Ridge proposals for a visually and experientially structural engineer: Buro Happold inspiring building that would sit at the services engineer: Buro Happold heart of the campus and serve as a hub main contractor: Beard Construction for some of the key spaces of learning and building control: Salus Approved Inspectors day-to-day activities: a new library, multi- acoustic consultant: Buro Happold purpose auditorium, teaching spaces, cafe, landscape consultant: Indigo Landscape shop, social space, offices and sixth form cdmc: Goddard Consulting supporting spaces. Crucially, the centre was also envisaged as an environment 2018 which acts as a stepping-stone towards the experiences of Higher Education. completion Situated at the end of the School’s linear entrance route, the Murray Centre’s 1166M² strong form and glazed east elevation create a physical and visual draw into area the campus. The building’s form and materials are intended to respond to the 38 distinctive character of its built context. The building’s location and fenestration have also been arranged to connect with the surrounding woodland that gives the School a unique setting. The accommodation is arranged over three storeys, with a lower ground floor partially set into the natural site levels. → View of the new Murray Centre from the South West.
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DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS 15 14 16 3 13 12 8 1 11 76 2 4 1 Murray Centre 2 New Landscaped Entrance Court 9 3 New Pump House Enclosure 5 10 4 Chapel Court 5 Chapel 9 Classics 6 Staff Centre 10 Aisholt House 7 Teaching General 11 Languages 8 Religious Studies 12 Reception / Staff Centre 13 Swimming Pool ↓ South elevation. 14 Willis East / West Boarding House 15 Co-curricular 16 York North / South Boarding House 40
COMPLETED PROJECTS ↑ Courtyard looking towards tower. 41
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS This allows a two-storey main as environmental modifiers. These open ↑ View to the entrance of the entrance foyer as well as creating other elevations contrast with the north and new Centre. opportunities for generous spaces and west elevations which have ‘punctured’ strong physical and visual connections window openings, framing views of the ↓ Sketch drawn for both internally and with the surrounding magnificent mature trees on the fringes competition stage of the campus. of the campus. This approach relates arrival to the school. The colonnade and solid external walls are strongly to the use and orientation of the constructed in light coloured monolithic spaces and is in keeping with a common materials, common in tone and form to architectural language of ‘windows in the existing campus buildings. The roof walls’ elsewhere on the campus. A flat chimney is finished in red-brown metal, roof emphasises the pavilion form, with a in reference to the similar tones of the prominent central combined ventilation existing roofs. Similarly, this red-brown ‘chimney’ and rooflight above. tone is continued in glazing framing, The building will play a central role louvre and brise-soleil elements within at Downe House, both in terms of the the facades. The fine louvres and brise- accommodation that it will provide and as soleil provide texture in contrast to a focal building in the wider context of the the planar white surfaces, much as the school campus: the new ‘Heart and Soul’ existing terracotta pantiles do on the of the school. existing buildings. The colonnaded south and east elevations continue the familiar form and rhythms of the existing cloisters within the school (which was originally designed as a convent). Functionally, the colonnades also provide a continuation of the protected social spaces, and act 42
COMPLETED PROJECTS ↑ Interior foyer of the Centre. ↖ Exploded axonometric of the Murray Centre. ↑ Auditorium. 43
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS Interior looking South. 44
COMPLETED PROJECTS “ The original vision for this project was that it would be a space for the whole community to come together to work and enjoy each other’s company in a well-equipped and welcoming space. It has been super to see the way in which the girls have used the building already. I think that all those who have visited will testify to what a wonderful resource it is.” — Emma McKendrick, Downe House Headmistress ↑ East elevation. → Library. 45
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS CLO CK TOW ER COURT radley college, abingdon A building of a timeless quality, which sits and functions in harmony with its neighbouring buildings. Radley College is situated between boys’ artwork during and after assessment. ↑ New building in context of listed Kennington and Abingdon on the eastern The secure gallery also enables high- Clocktower & Rackets court. edge of Radley Village and commands profile and important artists to show their © Nick Kane views across south-west Oxfordshire. work. Established in 1847 by the Rev. William A new social space was required as a Sewell, it now accommodates up to 684 much-needed place for the boys to relax boys. and meet outside of the confines of This project represents a significant their boarding houses or ‘socials’, where milestone for Radley College as it space of this nature is limited. The new addresses a number of important social space will also be a place where operational issues that have existed College staff can receive parents of the for some time. In addition, the College boys and where parents can meet with identified a number of space needs for their children in both open and private both teaching and social accommodation environments. The café will offer users for the school. Ten new teaching light refreshments during the day and at classrooms were required to enable the times when the main dining facility is not subjects of history and politics to be accessible. taught ‘under one roof ’. This addressed the shortages of dedicated classrooms, where previously multiple use classrooms were relied upon leading to significant timetabling problems. Radley College has a prolific art department whose expansion needed to include a new gallery (The Sewell Gallery) and additional space was required to provide secure display and storage of the 46
COMPLETED PROJECTS our role: Architecture | Interiors | Landscaping 2013 2084M² client: Radley College cost consultant : Ridge completion area structural engineer: Campbell Reith services engineer: Vector Design 47 main contractor: Feltham Construction cdmc: Radley College building control: NHBC fire consultant: Arrowbrook acoustic consultant: English Cogger Partnership
DESIGN ENGINE ARCHITECTS \\ SCHOOLS ↑ Main elevation of Clocktower Court at “ This is a modern reinterpretation of the Victorian redbrick Radley College. © Nick Kane 1 → Typical interior of a first-floor classroom. tradition, and it is handled with due deference to the scale of its © Nick Kane 2 → View of new atrium between the surroundings. It is intelligent and unfussy.” restored rackets court and the teaching wing. — Hugh Pearman, The RIBA Journal. December 2013 © Nick Kane As well as addressing a number of Rackets Court. The lower storey is a brick Civic Trust important issues for the College, the colonnade, which offers a new covered Award Winner 2014 project also represented a unique entrance route, taking pedestrians away opportunity to improve the environment from the existing roadside route that RIBA Regional South of Clocktower Court and realise its swings around the front elevation of the Award Winner 2014 potential as a civic space in the heart of Rackets Court. the College campus. The end elevation of the classroom 48 Given the importance of Clocktower building is deliberately played down to Court, the development deliberately allow space for Artwork and to avoid placed the civic activities to engage with competing with the more ornate frontage this space. The elevation of this part of the to the Rackets Court. The roofs of the new proposal is colonnaded in brickwork classrooms are deliberately pitched so as and is proportioned so as to moderate the not to conflict with the roof of the Rackets scale difference between the monumental Court, and as a result they offer a sculpted Rackets Court and the more domestically space internally to the upper classrooms. scaled Old Fives Court building. They are capped with light and ventilation The new development places the stacks, which will drive the passive classrooms as a linear building over two ventilation systems to the two-storey storeys in the same orientation as the building.
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