Falmouth, United Kingdom

Falmouth School

The project came out of the Sorrell Foundation’s ‘joinedupdesignforschool’ programme. Pupils were in control and responsible as the clients within design projects.

From the inception to completion, Urban Salon architects and the project team worked directly for the client group of 11, Year 9 & 10 design & technology pupil selected by the school. Uniquely the pupils presented their brief in the form of a play. Communicating their frustrations with the existing block and their aspirations for the new building. They wanted a new open, light space where they could develop concepts and designs away from the noise of the workshops. The rural studies and product design workshop space was cramped. The block’s roof leaked after heavy rainfall and the classrooms were cold in winter and overheated in summer. Finally, there were discipline problems, as female teachers had to leave the block altogether to use a WC. They also wanted a new landmark for the school that would demonstrate best practice for environmental design

The project was to extend and refurbish Falmouth Schools’ existing 1960s design and technology block.

The scheme incorporates a 100sqm extension made out of solid prefabricated timber and the refurbishments of the existing block. Internally, the new Design & Technology block has been created with separate areas for research and conceptual work away from the workshops. Six-formers have access to a new and well-stocked library. The design space is naturally ventilated. Windows in the saw-tooth roof let in all potential available light to the studio, creating the perfect environment for producing design work.

The existing Design & Technology block was upgraded as part of the scheme and has a new roof and wood-fibre insulation. Double-glazing has been installed to prevent heat loss in winter, with solar shading on the south side of the building, to prevent summer overheating.

The one storey extension and the existing building are accessible to all users and includes a new disabled unisex WC.

Funded by Falmouth School, Cornwall County Council, the Sorrell Foundation and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the project was completed in August 2008 and built for a budget of £500,000.00. The project has won a RIBA award and is shortlisted for the RIBA Sorrell Foundation Schools Award.

Team

Architects – Urban Salon Ltd
Structural Engineers/CDM Co-ordinator – Momentum Consulting Engineers Ltd
Services Engineer – Fulcrum Consulting
Quantity Surveyor – Cyril Sweett
Project Manager/Clerk of Works – Cornwall County Council
Main Contractor – Cowlin Construction
Specialist Sub-contractor – KLH UK

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Falmouth School