A crumbling science block has been rebuilt using EQUITONE fibre
cement facade material to give a striking and contemporary exterior to the new
facilities.
The former 1950s building at Harrogate Grammar School, in
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was in desperate need of being replaced with
up-to-date science facilities for both the students and teachers.
Bowman Riley Architects specified EQUITONE [natura] in colour
Anthracite for the new science block to juxtapose with the original, more
traditional existing building to create a prominent addition to the school’s
campus.
Architect Richard Berry said: “The client was looking for an
impactful, statement building that would help regenerate an incredibly
underused internal courtyard area at a pivotal location within the school.
“The natural and soft texture of EQUITONE [natura] responds well
to the 1930s red brick buildings in the surrounding courtyard, providing a
contemporary and modern approach. The sharp yet subtle appearance of the facade
panels provide the ideal backdrop to emphasise the red PPC aluminium feature
details to the window surrounds and external pod entrance.”
Harrogate Grammar School, an independent academy trust with more
than 1,850 pupils, received £1 million funding from the Education Skills
Funding Agency to create the new science block.
Headteacher Richard Sheriff said: “Staff and students who used the
rooms in the former science block will know the problems we had with heating,
water leaks and failing windows.
“We have now demolished the original building and replaced it with
four new laboratories and a preparation room. Science is a key area of the
curriculum and this project has allowed our students to further their interest
and enthusiasm of the subject.”
EQUITONE [natura] offers a tactile smooth surface which allows the
textures of the fibre cement to show through the facade.
All EQUITONE materials are available in a range of colours,
finishes and fixing options, giving full creative scope.
In addition, EQUITONE meets the reaction to fire classification
A2-s1, d0, making it suitable for a variety of building types. EQUITONE also
has a minimum life expectancy of at least 50 years.
