Architect: Wilkinson Eyre & 4D Design
Sector: Education
Client: BSF
Contractor: Skanska
Brief
Generally regarded as the first Building Schools for the Future project in the country, Brunel Academy was designed to create a new beginning for the old Speedwell Secondary School, by creating a dramatic new building to equip students for the 21st Century. It was recently awarded a regional RIBA award.
This £24m project was designed by Wilkinson Eyre to incorporate all of the CABE guidelines for a school within the BSF programme. To this end it incorporates the internal street concept, but also utilises the outside paved area so that it becomes an important resource for the school.
Solution
Aggregate Industriess range of hard landscaping products were specified to add to the sleek and modern look of the exterior, utilising a silver paving product to compliment the white buildings. 5000 m2 of Andover Textured Silver Grey paving was specified for the main pathways of Brunel Academy. The Andover textured range was chosen both for its colour, and the use of granite aggregates in the product to give a sparkle. The Andover range is produced through a semi-dry process and shot blasted to create a naturally weathered effect. Also important was the flexibility of sizes, which means that an area can change and grow as the school around it alters over time. (An important principle in the CABE guidelines for BSF projects)
Landscape Architects Michelle Lavele and Bill Ambridge from 4D Design highlighted the importance of achieving a similar look to that of the interior, designed and created by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and construction company Skanska. The £24 million Academy has an open and innovative design centred around a spacious mall, which was why Aggregate Industriess Andover Textured range was an appropriate choice.