Clarendon Primary School
Final Year BSc Project
The complete redesign of a local primary school became part of a final year project. Along with a detailed brief and constrained site layout, ingenuity and multi-age appeal were necessary. The 'pin-wheel' layout evolved from childhood memories of international primary schools and the client's brief of having separate year blocks along with large communal areas.
One of three primary schools in the vicinity, Clarendon accomodates approximately 500 pupils and required 24-hour use for both pupils and parents alike as both an afternoon activity centre and learning zone. This was complemented by a large community room and additonal computer suite on the first floor. The central atrium 'hub' of the building is a purpose built library with internal learning zone spaces for pupils along with ceiling hung 'bafflers' to help dampen any excess noise to the upper floor.
Utilising a simple and cost effective construction method of insulated concrete formwork clad in SlimBrick ZClad Classic (hand made, kiln fired clay / brick tiles) designed to give a rugged, elegant appearance to the structure. A textured exterior surface was specified over a smoother render as it was necessary that the new proposal commandeered a similar level of authority as the original school building and an impressive visual encouragement would help.
Extensive, yet unobtusive fenestration is provided in 'blocks' of different height windows designed so as to provide an uniterrupted view for all ages and heights. In the classroom areas, the window 'blocks' are centred in the middle of each room to maximise light and ventilation to the internal space. The central 'hub' areas have large, pitched rooflights in between the 'spokes' to dramatically increase the light levels within the building.
