ArchShowcase 
Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Downton Primary School in Bournemouth, UK by Footprint ArchitectsJuly 22nd, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Footprint Architects This second addition to the Victorian Grade 2 listed school building, is a new translucent inside outside space designed as a sensory classroom environment that enables free flow for foundation level children. The school were keen that the new space allowed them to enlarge the existing reception year intake and enable children to have direct access to the play space whilst improving visibility and supervision for teachers.  Image Courtesy © Alex Campbell
 Image Courtesy © Alex Campbell The difficultly Footprint overcame was the planning constraint to protect the listed building which was in conflict with the education requirement to form an opening through the facade. Having previously established a good working relationship with the planning and conservation officer the practice was able to resolve the challenging planning issues with a design response that was sympathetic to its context. The new extension juxtaposes the geometry of the historic building whilst respecting the structural bays and fenestration of its facade.  Image Courtesy © Alex Campbell The success of the design is the play of the listed facade against a modern insertion that provides an uplifting series of spaces capturing the essence of learning and playing in the world of a 5 year old. This transitional space between the classrooms and the outside play area provides areas for reading, wet play, sand, soft play and unrestricted free flow to the outdoor play areas.  Image Courtesy © Alex Campbell The polycarbonate cladding floods the internal space with daylight and links the internal space with the external environment. Internally the space is conceived as a child’s toy box, with the new structure clad in birch plywood whilst the listed building remains visible and integral to the design concept.  Image Courtesy © Alex Campbell Chair of Governors, Richard Fishlock said “We needed an innovative solution that made the best of a restricted site and was sympathetic to the existing Victorian architecture, and once again Footprint Architects rose to the challenge by greatly improving the existing learning spaces and adding a unique new indoor/outdoor classroom – it’s an inspiring blend of old and new architecture.”  Image Courtesy © Alex Campbell Peter Ward, Director and Education specialist at Footprint Architects, said “We are delighted to have delivered a second extension for the school for this very restricted and sensitive village school. Whilst the entrance was designed to be welcoming for parents and the community this new space was for the children and we wanted it to be fun, exciting and colourful. You open up the huge sliding doors and the extension becomes part of the outside play area”.  Image Courtesy © Footprint Architects About Footprint Architects Footprint Architects is a RIBA chartered practice based in Bournemouth, Dorset. They are dedicated to creating high quality, refined and elegant design solutions. Specialising in contemporary design, our projects range from residential extensions and new build schools.  Image Courtesy © Footprint Architects  Image Courtesy © Footprint Architects
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Tags: Bournemouth, UK Categories: School, Vectorworks |
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