Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Image 2 of 29Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Exterior PhotographyReigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Interior Photography, Dining room, Shelving, Table, Windows, Chair, BeamReigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Interior Photography, Shelving, Table, ChairReigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - More Images+ 24

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Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Exterior Photography
© Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

Text description provided by the architects. A new, competition winning building at Reigate Grammar School, designed by London-based firm, Walters & Cohen Architects, has been opened.

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Image 2 of 29
© Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

With the generous benefaction and support of the Peter Harrison Foundation, the ‘Harrison Centre’ (a library and sixth form centre) at Reigate Grammar School in Surrey will provide new facilities for the co-ed independent school of about 900 pupils.

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

Following their competition win in 2013, Walters & Cohen first undertook a masterplan and space audit of the school’s existing facilities, which were spread across two sites. At that time, the small parcel of land between them became available and was the ideal site for the new 1,620m2 library and sixth form centre, funded by the Peter Harrison Foundation.

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Image 25 of 29
Ground floor plan
Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Image 26 of 29
First floor plan
Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Image 27 of 29
Second floor plan

The new sixth form centre provides a link between the school’s two main areas whilst also serving as the first stage of the broader masterplan, laying the groundwork for future developments.

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Shelving, Chair, Beam, Windows
© Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

The red-brick building reflects the materials, massing and pitched-roof typology of the attractive Victorian school estate. Inside, the library has a wonderfully calm atmosphere. Light filters in from the rooflights at the peak of the building, while bookshelves frame large windows that look out across the peaceful old churchyard. The acoustic treatment means that independent learning and small group work can take place side by side without fuss. Comfortable furniture and traditional work spaces on both floors give pupils more choice of how they would like to study.

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

Provision of flexible, column-free spaces with natural ventilation was a driving principle of the overall design, and so a hybrid solution of concrete and steel was proposed. The use of RC slabs and concrete-encased steel beams has produced an efficient structure to accommodate the large spans desired by the client, whilst allowing the thermal mass of the in-situ concrete to be utilised in providing natural cooling during the day.

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Shelving, Table, Chair, Beam
© Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

The sturdy exposed trusses and sense of openness continue throughout the building, connecting the library with the classrooms and offices either side. On the ground floor, the sixth form centre is a generous, mature space for study, socialising and lunch. Pupils and staff love the building, which has been described as ‘the knot in the bow tie of the school’.

Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects - Image 28 of 29
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Address:Londres, United Kingdom

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About this office
Cite: "Reigate Grammar School / Walters & Cohen Architects" 19 Oct 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/904082/reigate-grammar-school-walters-and-cohen-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

赖盖特文法学校 / Walters & Cohen Architects

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