design


A new heart space directly influences how pupils navigate around the school


The second significant remodelling phase followed, and this saw the building of the central heart space. The main aims of this phase were to increase capacity in the hall, improve storage facilities and make circulation around the hall more efficient in order to limit disruption to


also directly influences how pupils navigate around the school. Its design rationalises circulation and improves wayfinding – two very important considerations for a school at the peak of its capacity, according to lead architect Alistair Baines.


Out-of-hours access “During discussions with the school it also became apparent that the space needed to be accessible outside of school hours to serve members of the local community. To solve this problem, we created a secure system that allows the main part of the hall to be isolated during out-of-hours access, thereby protecting the other learning spaces when they aren’t being used.” The secure system was incorporated into the plan at an early stage and was arranged in such a way that the entire school – except for the reception, hall and toilet areas – can be locked down quickly and efficiently, allowing it to be accessible and secure for community use outside of school hours.


Finishes


learning environment and rationalising circulation around the area to limit distraction to pupils. With improved access and security provision, the school also wished to offer dedicated out-of- hours access for members of the local community. Cassidy + Ashton set about remodelling the school in three stages, temporarily relocating students whilst the work took place over each stage. Phase one of the redevelopment work involved a significant remodelling of the KS1 department, including the construction of two purpose-built entrances with toilets and a cloakroom. This also created provision for additional intervention learning spaces.


learning. This phase also saw an additional learning space added for year 2, and an upgrading of the library and other multi- purpose facilities. Finally, phase three set to rectify the school’s problems with heating, electricity and the leaking roof through an extensive revamp of its 1960s features. A large part of the funding acquired to do the work was allocated for phase three, as it was the first time the school could afford to spend money on vital maintenance. As part of phase three, extensive re-


roofing was undertaken throughout the school to combat water ingress that had already started to develop. The new heart space at Anchorsholme provides a visual and functional icon, and


The palette of materials used within the hall consisted of high quality, wood-effect finishes that are both durable and long- lasting, to meet the multi-functional demands of the space. Render and metal cladding were used at the higher levels. For the foundation unit, Cassidy + Ashton chose to identify each of the different year groups with a particular colour, and these are clearly visible from the outside of the building. Not only do the colours establish a unique identity for each cohort of pupils, they also project creativity and expression onto the building’s exterior – providing a visible emblem for one of the school’s key values. The teaching areas have also been arranged so that the infant and junior4


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