Taxham School Extension

Mark Dudek

Description

The extension provides after-school facilities for a secondary school. The architects‘ proposal works both as a self-contained children’s environment and as a fully integrated part of the whole school campus. The original site comprised two teaching blocks from the 1970s, connected in a U shaped plan by a single-storey sports hall and swimming pool. Rather than building the new structure in the existing school yard and losing valuable outside play space, here the architects have used the roof of the school hall and constructed their new building to form a sort of lightweight ‘top hat.’

The use of a prefabricated skin of laminated birch ply, painted externally, gives both old and new structures a warm welcoming new face. A timber form of construction supplements the insufficient load bearing capacity of the existing structure underneath. The walls consist of 2 metre wide prefabricated load bearing units, to which the new roof has been rigidly fixed. This forms large lightweight bracing elements which prevent the flexing of the existing structure. This together with a precast concrete supporting slab transmits the loads to the existing columns and walls. The existing concrete sports hall structure only required reinforcement at foundation level. Based on a distinctly environmentally conscious design, the highly insulated new structure helps to limit heat losses from the sports hall. The new building required a carefully controlled ventilation system, since the level of insulation necessitates forced ventilation at certain times to maintain a comfortable environment within. Openable roof and wall windows allow additional control of the environment.

The new structure helps to reinforce the courtyard enclosure as an important focus within the campus. It has been planted with scented flowers and edible fruit which give it an intensity it did not have before. The courtyard elevation is indented and fully connected to the adjacent structures, open at various points on the ground floor which helps it to interlock with the existing complex through a series of access ramps and walkways. At first floor level there are terraces and cantilevered internal volumes creating an interesting spatial variety to the daycare centre’s interior. The gently sloping cantilevered volume encloses a cave-like play area for the younger children, with small windows carefully positioned at different heights.

Older children in the after-school element occupy a mini tower, a sort of continuous spatial route which spirals up to a rooftop observation window. The building‘s spatial experience offers children a choice of different routes and spaces for withdrawing, niches, a mattress storage, the wet area and cloakrooms. The six tranquil and bright playgroup spaces are adapted to suit the children’s own age group. Units for the 6-10 year olds are set out like mini apartments. Yet, as glass walls are the only separating internal walls in the main social areas, there is a sense of transparency throughout. Subtle, discreet colours, generally light ochre complementing the natural timber panels with their beechwood surface finish, are used on the internal walls and ceiling. This creates a lightness and warmth making it an ideal place for young children to learn or to simply hang out.