Project Description

Horsforth School had embarked on a redevelopment programme to provide a dedicated sixth-form campus on the school site. MPH was appointed to provide a single-storey sixth-form extension hub to the side of the newly built sixth-form building.

Working with the school and their architect, we developed concept drawings to incorporate the desired functionality and look of the new hub.

Modern Volumetric Modular Building In Yorkshire

Below, watch and read more about this sixth-form extension in West Yorkshire.

Watch Horsforth School Building Extension Video

Clients' Brief: Modern Sixth-Form Building In Yorkshire

MPH delivered Horsforth School a fantastic state-of-the-art sixth form common room (Common Grounds) with barista style café and social areas. They delivered the project on time and within budget. We found both the design and construction teams to be highly skilled and professional.

Their communication was excellent at all times (including aftercare) and worked with the school to deliver our vision with little to no disruption to school life.”

– Horsforth School

Designing The New School Building

Horsforth School Sixth Form Extension Construction

School's Volumetric Extension In Yorkshire

OUR BRIEF
  • To deliver a welcoming and versatile space for use by sixth-form students as a multi-functional space.
  • Design a space for informal study,
  • Inclusion of a café
  • Must maximise natural light and open space, with views connecting the hub to the main school and also external sports areas
  • The new extension should have a modern and unique design that stands out from the traditional sixth-form building it will be beside. The modular and volumetric features of the extension should complement the existing structure.

Construction Of A Volumetric Building On Sloping Ground

Volmetric Sixth Form Building

Volumetric Sixth Form Hub Extension

How To Install A Modular Building On Sloping Ground

SOLUTION: To combat the sloping nature of the site, we opted for a rough-dressed Bradstone stone to construct the plinth. A choice which helps root the building. It connects and relates the material selection of the extension back to the sixth form block.

DESIGN STRATEGY: Overcoming the sloping grounds enabled us to complete a modern, multi-functional sixth-form hub with an open-plan layout to capture natural light. The extension sat harmoniously within its courtyard-like surrounding, enhancing the view over the sports and woodland grounds. 

Modern Design Volumetric Sixth-Form Building In Yorkshire

Modern & Spacious Sixth-Form Interior Space

Scroll through interior images:

Horsforth School Sixth Form Extension Informal Study Area
Horsforth Sixth Form Seating Pods
Horsforth School Sixth Form Timber Table And Bench With Open Plan View
Horsforth School Timber Benches Canteen Kitchen Serving Area
Horsforth School Sixth Form Seating Communal Areas

Modular School Hub Interior Specification

  • We maximised natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and bifolding doors to the South-West elevations. Also, we installed roof lights within the main space.
  • To enhance the open aspect of the main space, we installed large glass windows and doors, including bi-folding doors, to allow freedom to flow indoors and outdoors in the warmer months.
  • We designed a courtyard-feel view connecting the hub space to the central school to the North-East.
  • With views of the sports courts being essential, the extensive glazing to the northeast elevation allowed a significant and flexible amount of fenestration via the double and bi-fold doors.
  • Internal fittings included; interactive screens and TVs, vending machines, four collaborative seating pods, accessible and standard toilets and hand basins, kitchen areas with serving hatches, long timber tables with matching benches, and air conditioning units.
  • Integrated canteen kitchenette designed with serving hatch with fire shutter. All sink waste is connected directly to the existing waste outlet.
  • Ply lining walls throughout.

External Cladding Mix For A Modern Volumetric Building In Yorkshire

Anthracite Aluminium Frames & Extensive Glazing Modular Design

Horsforth School-Anthracite Aluminium Frames

Horsforth School-Anthracite Aluminium Frames

The External Design

To make a modern distinction between the new hub and the existing sixth-form building, we used a mixture of external cladding and materials, including;

  • Expanses of Brunnea-treated Norclad Timber with the 11.5m gables being framed by powder-coated aluminium cloaking profiles.
  • Bold contrasting Anthracite aluminium window and door frames around extensive glazing, enabling an entire vista outdoors while allowing an influx of natural light.
  • To the northwest and southeast elevations, the client opted for a Rockpanel rain-screen cladding from the Stones Range (colour ref: Basalt Zinc).

Read more about Modular Building Manufacture.

Horsforth School Logo

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