- Schools + FE

Epsom College: Promoting wellbeing through the power of design

— CLIENT
Epsom College

— VALUE
£6m (Sixth Form Centre)
N/A (Masterplan)

— LEAD CONTACTS

Challenge

Like many schools, Epsom College faced the challenge of growing numbers of pupils when they appointed us to develop a new masterplan for their site. Unlike many schools, however, the College also benefits from a beautiful collection of Victorian buildings. We were keen to find ways of enhancing the existing site, balancing the needs of a modern school with the advantages of a historic school, while solving issues such as pressure on car parking and inefficient flow of pedestrians.

Following the masterplan, we have been working on a new sixth form centre on the site. The College stressed the need for the building to support their ethos of cultural enrichment, and to transform the educational experience of the pupils. We worked with the College to design a sustainable environment that supports wellbeing, while reflecting the Victorian building stock of the campus.

Approach + Solution

We developed the masterplan with a close eye to the site’s existing benefits – including the Grade II listed chapel and main building. The masterplan has given the College a strong framework for their future development, and they can now grow their boarding and teaching provision in a way that respects and enhances the campus’ character.

Our design for the sixth form centre is a key part of delivering on the masterplan’s promise. From outside, the building’s red brick makes it at home in its Victorian surroundings, while large areas of glazing and contemporary details give it a modern identity. That large glazing also reflects our focus on wellbeing: students can enjoy views over the surrounding landscape, as well as spacious, naturally lit rooms.

“Both sustainability and wellbeing are at the core of our design, ensuring that the pupils at Epsom have a healthy, happy environment in which to excel. Elevations harmonise with the historic context, while being unashamedly contemporary: they are rich in detail, responding to the human need for ‘things to take notice of’.”

– DIANNA FLETCHER, PROJECT DIRECTOR