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The Atrium

North Walsham, Norfolk, UK

Overview

Tom was approached in early 2008 by a previous client who was a governor of North Walsham High School. She had identified a potential source of funding for projects to improve schools and wider communities. Together with the team, and the funding of another local charity brought in by Tom, North Walsham High School secured the largest portion of the funding in the country.

The contemporary architectural format with it’s curved, convex and concave roofs, and the use of a modern pallete of materials (including rain screen cladding, colour through render and curtain walling) have combined to revolutionise and revitalise the existing 1950s school building, making the Atrium a local landmark. The building is now in regular use by the school and the community, as it houses an extensive host of facilities, including, a cinema that doubles as a theatre, a cafeteria, a creche, music and dance studios, catering classrooms and additional office space.

Project type

Education

Contract type

JCT Full

Cost

£5,300,000

Status

Completed 2009

Features

  • Convex and concave roofs
  • Revitalised dated school environment
  • Contemporary form
  • Contemporary palette of materials
  • Under-floor heating
  • Solar shading to glazed elements

Awards

  • The Graham Allen Awards – High Commended 2012
  • LABC Best Commercial Building 2013