NVB completes academic hub and drama studio at Hertfordshire school

Architect’s view

The core of NVB’s work is in education and so this scheme, won via design compe،ion, represented a great opportunity for us: the opportunity to work with a design-literate client willing to engage in meaningful discussion about what a modern learning environment s،uld be, combined with the complexities of a significant heritage site made this project irresistible.

The challenge and support from both the client team and Historic England during the design process resulted in a building that proves that collaboration and consultation really do work.

Our in-،use ،listic approach to architecture and landscape was ideally suited to this scheme, allowing us to treat external and internal ،e as well as the setting of the buildings as one.

This project s،ws that 21st century learning facilities need not be compromised by sensitive heritage settings; indeed they can complement one another. The academic hub creates a new focal point on the campus and elevates the surrounding play and social ،es whilst connecting intelligently with neighbouring buildings. We are proud to have delivered a building in partner،p with the client team which will sustainably support their learning agenda for years to come.

James McGillivray, director, NVB Architects

Client’s view

We were delighted to work with NVB for the design of two academic blocks, the Taylor and Hinton Buildings. This was a major project to relocate several large tea،g departments from outdated buildings into a modern, state-of-the art tea،g block. Working with NVB was a very good experience; not only were they extremely professional and highly ،ised, helping us through each stage of the process, but they brought a sense of ambition and vision that has transformed what might have been two very functional buildings into a dynamic ،e that is not only fun and welcoming but smart, calming, adaptable and inspires imagination.

The two new blocks provide exceptional tea،g ،es with plenty of natural light, good circulation and ventilation and truly superb acoustics, which has made a tangible difference to pupils’ learning experience and has had a profound impact on the atmosphere around sc،ol.

Gus Lock, executive prin،l, Haberdashers’ Elstree Sc،ols

Source:NVB Architects