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Westminster Academy
| location: | Gents Westbourne Green, Paddington, London W2 5EJ |
| client: | Chelsfield Plc & DFES |
| architect: | AHMM (Allford Hall Monaghan Morris) |
| main contractor: | Galliford Try Construction |
| project scope: | Structurally Glazed Curtain Wall, Terracotta Rainscreen |
The Architect AHMM is well known in the industry for incorporating colour into its designs (particularly green and yellow) and Westminster Academy is no exception. The glazed green and yellow layered terracotta tiles that cover the exterior of the building were influenced by the natural lines formed in geological strata. The finish is reminiscent of the old London underground stations that feature highly coloured tiling and the façade of the Westminster Academy will prove just as durable, as the cladding is incredibly resilient.
One of the building’s energy saving features is a unique ventilation system. Due to traffic noise the windows are sealed so the building is ventilated via four under-floor risers, one on each corner of the structure. The air passes over heated coils that cause it to rise naturally through the ceilings via a void at the rear of the classrooms before re-entering the circulation system the way it came up.
In addition to the glazed terracotta cladding, EAG have installed a mixture of Schüco International glazing systems, including high performance FW60+ pressure cap and FW60 structurally bonded curtain walling with integral RS65 doors, automatic bi-parting entrance doors and a glass balustrade on the north-west elevation.
EAG’s contract with Galliford Try forms part of the £25million project to build this new school for pupils aged 11-18 who have been relocated from North Westminster Community School, which is marked for closure.
Awards
RIBA National Award for Architecture 2008
RIBA London Building of the Year 2008
RIBA Sorrell Foundation Schools Award shortlist 2008
Design Week Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics 2008
Best Incorporation of Daylight Award, Light & Architecture Design Awards 2008
Future Vision Award 2007
BCSE Award Inspiring Design - Secondary School 2008
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