The sloping site faces an existing "U" shaped teaching building, screened by a plantation of birch trees and a mature oak. Accommodation is organised around a courtyard, facing the existing trees, and completing the figure of the existing building.
The entrances are stacked in a partly freestanding drum, the lecture theatre and gymnasium being at the extremities of the figure with offices and general teaching rooms occupying the centre. West facing rooms are provided with external electrically operated sunblinds. The building is designed to be energy efficient using the high thermal mass of the structure and incorporating low E glazing, high levels of insulation and energy saving artificial light.
The structure is an R C frame and ribbed flooring spanning the full building width, with dry partitioning internally.
External materials include an engineering brick and reconstructed stone block base with string courses and parapets in engineering brick and render infil panels. Windows and rooflights are in coated metal.
Awards
- RIBA National Award for Architecture 1994
- RIBA Regional Award for Architecture 1994
- Shortlisting for the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion Award for European Architecture Barcelona 1994
- Civic Trust Commendation 1997
