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This scheme involved the remodelling of the East Wing on the main school site at Altrincham Grammar in order to provide a new entrance and reception area, improved teaching accommodation, staff facilities and disabled access.
The proposed development required the demolition of the 1960s 4 classroom block to the internal corner of the rear courtyard. This allowed for the installation of the lift in the best position to access all laboratories, whilst making the most efficient use of the existing recess between the original school and the dining/gym block at the North East end of the site.
The design of the new building, which infills the recess described above, creates a cohesive whole in this rear courtyard which replaces the previous fragmented mix of styles. To this end the materials and elevational treatment refer to the original school building. Also more of the original gable has been revealed by the demolition, and a third gable built at the end of the extension to balance the elevations to the courtyard.
In order to maintain the vocabulary of the existing main entrance while clearly defining the way to the new entrance, a new paved route with signature ground lights and a canopied turret integrating school signage with directions to the new entrance has been formed.
Visitors are directed towards new copper sheathed entrance doors and a high level copper clad box. The shaped copper box has been designed to draw the visitor into the building. The invitation is further enhanced by making the copper box appear to float on a glazed panel that also enables the visitor to see the internal spaces and workings of the reception as they approach.
The reception has been designed to combine the modern facilities needed in a school expressed in a transparent modern design that also respects the quality of the adjacent school buildings. The reference is expressed by framing the entrance area with lava stone pilasters found on the main school building.
Clients: Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Consultants: Stephen Davies Associates, Clancy Consulting, Deakin Walton Limited
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