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Quattro Design Architects
Gloucester 01452  424234
London 020 4542 5678
Cardiff 029 2274 5925
Gloucester 01452  424234
London 020 4542 5678
Cardiff 029 2274 5925
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Home/Projects/Education/Sixth Form, Colleges & Universities/Architecture Centre, Francis Close Hall Campus

Architecture Centre, Francis Close Hall Campus

Client
University of Gloucestershire
Location
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Project Leaders
Mike Court Jonathan Parker

Challenge

As experienced University Architects, Quattro was appointed by the University of Gloucestershire to convert part of their Teaching Centre into a new studio for the Constructed Environment at the Francis Close Hall Campus in Cheltenham.

The challenge for our Education Architects, was to deliver this exciting new flexible Architectural Centre in line with the requirements of accrediting bodies, such as the RIBA and ARB, to facilitate four new courses within The Constructed Environment Department. This new facility needed to be impressive as well as functional, in order to attract students and staff to study or deliver the new courses on offer. The University’s ambition is to establish a leading centre for undergraduate and postgraduate professional courses in Architecture, Design and Environment that will support the growth of their students, as well as businesses, locally, nationally and internationally.

The project building falls within the Central Cheltenham Conservation area and although the building itself is not listed, it required a sympathetic design approach due to its historic association with listed buildings on the campus such as, the listed Chapel to the south east of the site. Therefore, a detailed statement of historic significance was commissioned to ensure minimal impact on the historic buildings.

The University also wanted to retain the architectural features of the existing building. Therefore, all works needed to be carried out within the building fabric of the existing Teaching Centre. The importance of making the best combination of function and form, whilst balancing the need to make alterations and the retention of the main features,was integral to the design decision making.

Sector
Education
Sixth Form, Colleges & Universities
Services
Architecture
Lead Consultant (Project Lead)
Planning
Principal Designer

Gallery

Architecture Centre, Francis Close Hall Campus, interior of building
Architecture Centre, Francis Close Hall Campus, seating area
Architecture Centre, Francis Close Hall Campus, classroom environment
Architecture Centre, Francis Close Hall Campus, first floor view

Solution

Internally:

Internally, there is a reduced number of new openings for the ventilation louvres and the reuse of the existing door openings allows a more sympathetic design with changes kept to a minimum.

Flexibility is key to the success of this design. The existing IT space is converted into a large multipurpose area for the delivery of the new courses, sharing the large area in a mixture of taught and self-study spaces. An open plan layout for studio and critical spaces, as well as exhibition and lecture spaces, is vital to the academic requirements of the courses. Flexible furniture and moveable screens have also been introduced to allow for the division of spaces if necessary.

A light touch refurbishment allows the retaining existing timber ceiling and ventilation system to be retained.

Externally:

Externally, two new openings and steps create fire escape routes from the ground floor, in addition to minor external works associated with the services required for the new department.

Resurfacing works to Magnolia Court, located behind the building, help to unify and improve the external area between the campus buildings.

This project was completed on time and to budget.

Overall, the work has enabled us to extend the life of the building for the foreseeable future – so has been a very cost-effective alternative to demolishing the building and constructing a new college

Michael Kitcatt, College Principal
Worcester Sixth Form College

They ensure that they fully understand the client brief and, by working collaboratively with us, and key stakeholders, have produced fantastic results.

Stephen Locke, Bursar
Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham

The work has given us a much higher standard of insulation and has transformed the look of the outside to the extent that first time visitors are often under the impression that it is a new building, rather than being more than 50 years old!

Michael Kitcatt, College Principal
Worcester Sixth Form College

Regardless of the scale of the project, QDA’s approach is always totally professional. They ensure that they fully understand the client brief and, by working collaboratively with us, and key stakeholders, have produced fantastic results.

Chief Finance Officer
Pate's Grammar School, Cheltenham

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View Project about Architecture Centre, Francis Close Hall Campus

Clients and Partners

Arup
Cheltenham College
Speller Metcalfe Ltd
Pate’s Grammar School
Department for Education
Gloucestershire County Council
ESFA
Willmott Dixon Construction
Robert Hitchins Ltd
The Chamwell Centre Charity
Kier Living Ltd
The Cheltenham Ladies College
Swindon Borough Council
Queen Elizabeth Hospital School
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Churchill Academy and Sixth Form Centre
The Crypt School
West Berkshire Council
E G Carter & Co Ltd
Worcester Sixth Form College
Stourport Primary Academy

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Have a project in mind?

Gloucester: 01452  424234

London: 020 4542 5678

Cardiff: 029 2274 5925

info@quattrodesign.co.uk

    Quattro Design Architects

    35+ years delivering Sustainable Architecture across the U.K. At Quattro, we design Architecture for the people who will benefit from the places and spaces we create. Our designs excite and inspire, regularly exceeding expectation. Sustainability, Collaboration and Social Value lie at the heart of our work.

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