Norwood School

RRA Architects > Norwood School
  • Cypress Infant School - Children's Centre Set on a steep, generously-proportioned, thick woodland site, our proposal for the development of Cypress Infant School is conceived as a series of active landscape terraces hugging the contour of the site. This provided a sensible structural solution to a geologically testing site and a flexible loose-fit, long-life accommodation solution.
  • Categories: Education
  • Tags: Education

The terraces extend down the slope towards the entrance of the school site; a ‘yellow-brick-road’ extending an invitation to the community to enter with the sense and promise of a reward inside.

The roofscape is designed to emulate the canopy of the surrounding trees, acknowledging the its place in a woodland-oasis rather than trying to stand too proudly inside it. The roof is designed to catch rainfall and to re-use this natural resource as grey water.

The outside teaching spaces are covered with PV trees, which catch the suns rays to create energy for displays and resources within.

The proposal is designed to maintain the original form of the school whilst creating a new intervention, which links site and landscape to school spaces.

RRA were one of the final four shortlisted practices, from a field of 22 entrants, following a design competition and competitive interview, RRA were awarded 2nd place.