St Davids Catholic College
Cardiff
A proposed new Teaching Facility to meet demand for the College’s expanding academic programme. It was important that the building will create a focal point on the campus, with emphasis on being environmentally sustainable, as well as blending harmoniously within the surrounding landscape.
The brief is to transform the hard expression of brick and concrete of the existing college building into an innovative, contemporary, low energy timber building. The main entrance is to be located on the western side of the site, and one would be welcome with a two-storey high atrium space when entering the building. From this point, generally the accommodation is being arranged on two floors.
The Classrooms, ICT room and the Lecture Theatre will be located on the ground floor and further Classrooms and Administration Offices to be accommodated on the upper floor. All space will have generous natural daylight and views out onto surrounding green space. There will be an external covered breakout space where students could meet, socialise, study, or wait for their next lectures.
Photovoltaic technology has been incorporated on the main roof to provide power for the new building and the curved canopy will be finished with an eco-roof. These elements will strongly reinforce the College’s aspiration in creating a sustainable environment.
The architectural approach to the material palette is based on three key principles - masonry, glass and timber. The simplicity in the selection of materials compliment the lightness of the sweeping curved geometry of the plan form which not only adds another dimension to the architectural design but also provides a sensitive integration within the surrounding landscape.
The strong identity of the new teaching facility will create a landmark focal point, as well as enhancing the college’s progressive academic development.
