Versatile layout wins top award for school

A YORKSHIRE school has been voted the most versatile learning environment in the country at a national awards ceremony.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jan 2010, 11:45 BST
Updated 7th Jan 2010, 11:45 BST

The Joseph Rowntree School in York, which was designed and developed by Bond Bryan Architects and Carillion, received the accolade at the annual Excellence in BSF Awards 2009 run by the Partnerships for Schools.

The awards are run as part of the UK Building Schools for the Future programme.

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Geoff Halliwell, director of Bond Bryan Architects, based in Sheffield, said: "Designing a versatile, robust and inspiring learning environment is what we strive for, so to win this Excellence in BSF award with Carillion is very special.

"The new school blends in well with the surrounding parkland setting and sustainability was a key factor in the design, achieving a BREEAM 'very good' rating with natural daylight and ventilation, rainwater harvesting, a biomass boiler and a green roof with a weather station and solar array to support the curriculum. Its versatility comes from the way all the teaching, learning and social areas are shaped and integrated to suit the different needs of each student.

"Bond Bryan worked with the teaching staff and students throughout the project to help run special design and architecture projects, which saw students contribute to many aspects of the design for the new school."

The school is expected to open to pupils in the spring,

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