Squire & Partners LLP

Design Technology Block

Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY BLOCK

Squire and Partners

CATEGORY
Schools

PHOTOGRAPHS
Courtesy of Squire and Partners

QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Bollingbrook

CONTRACTOR
STP Solutions Ltd

STRUCTURE
Eckersley O’Callaghan

WOOD SUPPLIER
Carpenter Oak & Woodland

LOCATION
Surrey, United Kingdom

Text description provided by architect.

Occupying an area within the St James School grounds previously home to an ad hoc collection of sheds and storage units, the new Design Technology block was designed to accommodate 20 students and two teaching staff as well as an office, plant and store room.

Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners
Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners

Taking inspiration from the craftsmanship and simple technology of timber-frame buildings in the southeast of England, the simple building envelope is clad in a black vertical weather-board and cover strip system, within which we detailed a concealed gutter and flush pyramidal roof-light, ensuring the purity of the building form was not compromised.

The dark external cladding provides a striking contrast to the light Douglas Fir timber interior.

Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners
Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners

Here, traditional pegged mortise and tenon joints of the timber frame are counterpoised by steel hex-head fixings and sheets of birch-faced ply panels lining the walls, balancing tradition and modernity.

The honesty of construction and robust interior provide a simple and practical backdrop for the workshop activities within.

Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners
Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners


Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners
Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners
Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners
Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners
Design Technology Block
© Squire and Partners


Design Technology Block
Detail
Design Technology Block
Detail
Design Technology Block
Detail
Design Technology Block
Floor Plan

Squire & Partners LLP
T +44 20 72785555
Squire & Partners LLP
248 Ferndale Rd, London SW9 8FR, United Kingdom