Case Study

International Studies Centre, Harrow School

Harrow School is very constrained by its location in the Harrow on the Hill Conservation Area, the predominance of listed buildings and the designation of Metropolitan Open Land, which is applied to all its sports facilities which encircle the Hill.

The chosen site for the new International Studies Centre is in the heart of the teaching area, but is adjacent to the listed music schools and the open space of the golf course.

Planning was inevitably going to be a difficult process especially because there was to be demolition of some existing Arts and Crafts cottages on the site.

There was a minimum requirement of 10 classrooms for the modern languages department, but there was a desire to maximise the site and any additional accommodation for music or business studies would be welcomed.

The School was keen to provide an energy efficient design and a building of contemporary aesthetics using quality materials and detailing.

The adjacent music school had very symmetrical fascades. It was felt that another symmetrical building would be appropriate.

The music school has two towers between which is an inset fascade which was raised in a large flowing curve to hide the auditorium behind. Its romantic articulation and soft red brickwork is striking behind a large yew hedge.

The design for the front façades of the new building takes reference from the towers and reflects the inset of the upper central elevation. Instead of rising roof the new building provides a roof which lowers in the centre, which creates a gentle rhythm between the two buildings whilst gently showing subservience to the original listed building. Red brickwork and grey windows and roof provide similar materials yet contrasting styles.

It is believed that the discreet wave forms in plan and elevation provide great harmony between the two buildings without any overt or obvious clichéd references. A subtle approach, where good manners in architectural style and proportions often goes unobserved other than by way of general acceptable and accolade at the buildings in isolation.

The building makes use of the steeply sloping land without resorting to integrated retaining walls and basements.

Access is gained to the middle entrance floor by way of a bridge link from the road. This provides a dramatic and enjoyable experience.

The building is essentially classrooms on either side of a corridor where each level is linked by a staircase at each end.

The glazed ends to the staircases allows light to penetrate to the centre which is supplemented by light wells lit by overhead rooflights.

Each classroom has good daylight provision with solar shading.

Each classroom has individual passive ventilation and night time cooling to its high thermal mass achieved by exposed concrete soffit ceilings.

The walls and roof are extra insulated to reduce heat loss. The building has a sophisticated management and control system making it intelligent and efficient.

Without any artificial cooling it is anticipated that the building will not overheat in summer, yet will be warm without heating in the winter.

The building has been well received by the boys, teachers and local community. Its success is based on use, space provision, design, presence and quality.