21-KSS Design Group Architecture and design News 300508-2

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KSS Design Group - Havering Sixth Form College

KSS Design Group has submitted a planning application for a new 15,000m² academic building for Havering Sixth Form College. The proposal for the 6.88-acre college near the centre of Hornchurch has received Approval in Principle from the Learning and Skills Council for the full campus re-development, which includes a new build and extensive refurbishment of two of the existing buildings.

The new building will form the main public façade of the college with a striking new entrance, theatre, sports hall and refectory as well as three general teaching wings. The teaching wings are based on a model of cellular classrooms and open plan, flexible spaces on each floor over two and three stories with each department having its own distinct identity.

The existing buildings, which will be refurbished, are two and three storeys high and the new build is a two and three storey with a four-storey atrium at the centre of the new build. The design utilises the natural level changes on the site by placing the refectory, theatre and sports hall on the lower ground level with the main entrance above, allowing the college to provide the required accommodation whilst the massing remains respectful to the storey heights of the surrounding buildings.

The new refectory is housed within the four-storey atrium providing circulation space to access the new 4-court sports hall and 170-seat theatre. A large ceremonial staircase leads people from the main entrance into the refectory. The area between the existing buildings and the new build provides a secure landscaped area onto which the new refectory opens out. The atrium’s main feature is an organic form, which houses some of the college’s administration areas, and the s roof provides a resource base for one of the departments.

Externally the main material palette for the elevation treatment of the new build will be a combination of white render curtain wall glazing framed with a dark coloured CFC rainscreen cladding, with a brass mesh feature wall which wraps the main entrance and theatre box.

The re-development will incorporate low energy technology, utilising a ‘TermoDeck’ thermal mass ventilation system, heat exchange recovery system, high thermal and low air infiltration envelope performance. The development will also incorporate BTES as an on-site renewable energy source

Construction is currently due to commence on site early 2009 and will be completed for the end of 2012. The college is going through contractor interviews at the moment and is looking to appoint a main contractor by the 9th June under a 2 stage Design & Build Contract.

Email: ellie@as-communication.co.uk