Pate’s Grammar School, Refectory

Working with a core group of governors, staff and students, a strategic plan (Premises Development Plan, PDP) was initially developed by Quattro’s education architects, which has been used by the Academy to inform development decisions and identify projects for funding opportunities over the past 10 years.

In response to the Academy’s PDP the new Refectory providing multi-use dining and learning facilities was identified.

Funded as part of the Academies Condition and Maintenance Funding programme (ACMF), the new build Refectory provides catering, and a multi-use dining and learning area with additional IT classrooms. The design and location of the building takes advantage of views over the sports pitches whilst also creating additional outdoor social space.

The flexible design of the building accommodating seminar, pavilion and evening events provides further support to the Academy through letting opportunities.

Quattro undertook research to design a catering and dining layout capable of serving 420 pupils in 12 minutes. The combination of an ergonomic and flexible design with biometric technology was achieved with great success.

The introduction of biometric technology was at that time pioneering in the Education sector. Its use sped up the Refectory’s serving ability and avoided pupils having to bring money to the school. The system adopted was so successful its coverage was later extended to door access controls and safeguarding provision across the estate. It has been adopted by several other Academies Quattro has since worked with.

The project focused on the delivery of a high-quality learning environment, providing value for money and delivered to programme and budget. The form and materiality of the building echoes that of the existing school. In conjunction with Quattro’s Planning and Interior Design skills, we have provided a distinctive brand to the Academy, establishing a strong identity and cohesive estate.