14 CITY OF LONDON FREEMEN’S SCHOOL POOL, ASHTEAD, SURREY
swimming pool faster than planned, and so that became phase two.” Following this change, along with a new headmaster coming in, the masterplan was revisited: “The priority for the school was to replace the swimming pool as soon as possible. This provided an opportunity to re-evaluate the proposed location within the original masterplan and to consolidate the school’s sports facilities.”
Even if they’re just visiting, they can really understand the structure – it’s a very
honest building Adam Cossey, partner, Hawkins\Brown
Another factor in the move was access. “If you’ve got a swimming gala you want to move vehicle traffic away from the academic heart, and encourage more pedestrianisation.” Working on a sensitive site, the architects and school had to think carefully about how to integrate the pool into the landscape once it was relocated. The building is positioned to minimise its impact upon the landscape and its visibility from the school’s main house. A partially submerged lower ground floor nestles the building into the landscape, while hand formed standing seam cladding in a dark copper colour responds to historic features of the main house, addressing issues raised by both the local planning authority and the
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conservation officer. “On paper, the conversation with the planning department seemed challenging, but after taking both the conservation officer and the chief planner around the building post completion, they were delighted with it.”
The sloping gradient on one side of the site gave the architects “a fantastic opportunity to effectively give the pool an ‘upper ground’ and ‘lower ground,’” says Cossey. “By extending the pool at lower ground level, we were able to have wrap-around extended glazing on the north-east side of the building, producing an amazing view from the pool to the mature ancient oak woodland.” Also, on the upper level, and tying in with the main entrance on the upper ground where the property increases in height, they included an event space and classroom that overlooks the lower level of the pool.
Inside & out
Inside the finished building, the architects designed a clear circulation, from the main entrance space and reception area on the upper level, following through to the
ADF AUGUST 2018
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