The brief to Project Orange was to create a new building for the Design and Technology Department that had out-grown its current accommodation within this established public school. The new building was to make provision for a CAD/CAM studio, a materials workshop, a technology studio, preparation rooms and an office.

The concept was to create a large 'shed', clad in cedar shingles, that references the vernacular surroundings in a simple well-crafted building. Inspiration came from the tradition of barn buildings that can be traced back to medieval times. It was felt important to give the building a strong character that was modern in form yet timeless in terms of materials.

The volume of the building comprises a pair of two storey mono-pitched volumes that slide past each other and define a central double height hall where they meet. This hall lies at the heart of the scheme and is announced by a full height glazed entrance. The hall serves as the access point to all areas and forges a spatial link between the world of designing on the upper level and world of making to the ground floor. The hall then also serves as gallery for the fruits of both processes. All the external walls and the roofs are clad in cedar shingles, with internal materials being stylish but robust.

Part workshop, part factory the Art Shed is a place that aims to nurture the designers and makers of the future.

Awards
RIBA

National Award

Short-listed

11 August 2010

ProCon Awards

ProCon Awards

Short-listed

14 June 2010