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Malmesbury Primary School, Wiltshire

2005 - 2007

A 14 class school built in existing grounds which provide a semi-rural, green-field site with extensive views outwards to the countryside and back towards Malmesbury and the abbey. The intention was to minimise the impact on the site and produce a building which is integrated with the landscape and responds to the unique setting.

Client representatives embraced the Steiner principle that spaces which avoid strict geometric regularity are more child-friendly and conducive to relaxed and interactive learning. Radial classrooms literally open out into the landscape and create circulation space which has a shared teaching function and interest rather than long, straight corridors. The form maximises opportunities to provide natural light and ventilation via clerestory windows to the classrooms and Hall.

The Hall is the hub of the school but is also located to be available for community use even when the school is closed. Other facilities available for extra-curricular activities include an IT suite and changing rooms to support sport and drama.

Timber structure is expressed internally and externally for its warmth and tactile qualities. Between pairs of classrooms, projecting support cores are clad with vertical cedar boarding . The single storey element has a sedum (green) roof to replace the green footprint and provide an ecological habitat and visual/educational amenity close to the ground where it is most visible.