The design responds to key site constraints including noisy roads and 6m level differences. The sixth form is located in the refurbished Stanley Building. The main Academy sits centrally within the site, at its lowest level, for optimum accessibility. The three-storey building is organised around three full height top-lit atria (two teaching, and one dining courtyard), and a covered entrance atria. Classrooms are arranged primarily along the two long elevations to benefit from daylight and views to the outside.

 

The pragmatism of the architecture and programming has been balanced by careful attention to key architectural details that have markedly improved the atmosphere of this large-scale school environment. Unusually high levels of natural light reach the deep-plan interior of the 10,000sqm school. The concrete detailing, as part of a clean and robust industrial aesthetic, is of exceptional quality. And the detailing of EFTE skylight panels and external timber cladding will, respectively, minimise staining and uneven weathering. These refinements have given internal volumes a livelier character. Strong colour use internally aids identification and orientation.

 

A passive energy strategy was adopted, utilising the thermal mass of the exposed concrete soffits through night-time cooling, assisting natural ventilation to classrooms, and high natural daylight levels.