Smethwick Learning Campus

The Design

The design solution for the Smethwick Campus provides a series of exciting and inspiring spaces which bind the existing buildings together whilst opening up the specialisms of science and health to the main school approach and the wider community. The design proposals maintain the quality of the existing 1920’s brick built courtyard buildings of north block and south block either side of a large landscaped space, keeping the integrity of the frontage and the tree lined approach to the campus

The new buildings complement these mature buildings, acting as a new counterpoint to the established school. The community facilities, dining and specialist spaces for science and health are arranged around a new heart space, a fantastic space which opens out from the new landscaped heart space visible from the main campus entrance. This central space uses space, light, form and colour to generate an exhilarating and special place at the heart of the school.

The new buildings respond to the site geometry and the need to create positive external spaces. New building forms are clear and unfussy, not competing but complementing the quality of the existing courtyard buildings. The addition of a gatehouse pavilion allows the enclosure of a formal arrival courtyard which acts as a circulation around the campus buildings.

The principal views of the site from Holly Lane are maintained, with the entrance pavilion providing an important recognition of the new works that are being undertaken on the site without interrupting or detracting from the contribution that the existing courtyard buildings make to the local urban fabric. The new building forms a focal point to the approach axis along the tree-lined boulevard.

Progress on Site - May 2010

• Window installations are complete, with further finishing works on going.

• Internal door frames and doors are being fitted.

• Mechanical and Electrical installations are on-going.

• Internal finishing works are on-going.

• PVC-u windows are installed to all floors, with further finishing works on-going.

• Mechanical and Electrical installations are on on-going.

• Underpinning works complete.

• Damp proofing works commenced.

• Internal alterations on-going.

• Internal blockwork walls to the changing rooms are complete, together with under floor heating.

• Screed works have commenced to the changing room area.

• Internal reconfiguration works have commenced.

Progress on Site – February 2010

Following two months of enabling works which realised the supply, delivery and erection of a temporary decant village and permanent site establishment, works commenced in October 2009 on North Block and Design Technology Block.

North Block

• External works are progressing with window installation and pitched / flat roof repairs and or replacement.

• Internal works to date primarily include demolition and partitioning and first fix M&E installation

DT Block

• External works are progressing with window installation and flat roof repairs together with remedial works on the external fire escape staircase.

• Internal works to date primarily include demolition and partitioning and first fix M&E installation.

New Build

• Foundations to the new build pavilion and steel erection are complete.

• Works to the sports and science block are approximately 10% complete.

• Works to the storm drains and attenuation tank are in progress.

Ruskin House PRU

• Ruskin House will have been decanted into Crockett’s Lane by the end of February 2010, allowing the erection of hoardings to allow external works to commence.

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