Aldenham School

In a closed competition of selected practices Hub won the opportunity to design a new 6th form and music block for Aldenham.

The site occupies a small pocket of land within a green belt zone for which planning permission could be obtained. The scheme provides teaching and gathering spaces within a sensitive form that acknowledges the history and aesthetic of the existing school buildings.

The main entrances are discreet. We felt that the block should not upstage the Victorian chapel and Edwardian pavilion it abuts, and therefore does not proclaim itself with a grand entrance from the exterior. Once inside, the entrance hallway reveals the excitement and business of the activity within the building. A triple height atrium rises to a bridge with a glimpse to the music block and 6th form spaces. This hall also acts as a through route and is detailed to accommodate the heavy footfall.

In 2015, the Aldenham project was shortlisted for the Schüco Excellence Award for Design & Innovation in association with the RIBA Journal.