The 750-pupil school has been cleverly designed and constructed to follow the profile of the land. It features various sports facilities, which are available for community use in the evenings and at the weekend. These include: an all-weather 3G sports pitch, grass pitches, a multi-use sports ground, dance activity studio, changing facilities and a multi-court gymnasium.
A three-storey atrium featuring a white concrete staircase is the focal point of the scheme, which links different floors. The scheme’s radical design incorproates traditional corridors in favour of activity spaces to link the classroom areas, sports hall, main hall and canteen. The resulting spaces create learning clusters. Each classroom faces a shared zone, which allows children from different classes to learn and interact simultaneously. Various areas of contemplation are also featured that will allow the students to slow down and reflect.
All the spaces are designed to encourage a contemporary way of learning and teaching. It also maximises the use of daylight and natural ventilation. HLM also employed choice materials which create a contemporary feel that responds to the aesthetic traditions and culture of the region, and are durable and low maintenance.
The Gold Medal for Architecture is supported by the Design Commission for Wales, and was handed out at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Photograph Copyright Girts Gailans
