This innovative and exciting new build school catered for 900 pupils within a diverse teaching curriculum. Whilst providing all the essential teaching and sports accommodation the design also delivered key enhancements such as a large central atrium and shared dining hall which forms the heart of the new school. This memorable space is overlooked by the Library and Sixth Form Centre and is a dynamic and flexible environment which can host a range of events and exhibitions in support of the key school activities. The design resolved a sharp 4.5m level change on the site which introduced a large under-croft pre-planned for a future 4 classroom extension. In addition, the school incorporated sound Passivhaus environmental design strategies regarding orientation, envelop design, optimising daylight, and maximising ventilation. In addition, the generous site afforded a full complement of rugby, soccer and hockey pitches including a full size 3G synthetic pitch with floodlights. The completed project was a finalist in the CEF Achieving Excellence Awards 2014 – Education Sector and was very well received by the teachers, pupils, and parents of Bangor Grammar School.
Designed with the focus on added value from inception our successful strategies included: