Design Awards 2008: Landscape Category
Summary
The Landscape Category Award went to the new Sixth Form Centre at Wymondham College for the work by landscape architects Sheils Flynn and contractors R G Carter Ltd & GDC Ltd. The extension itself also won the New Building Category award. Details and photos are below.
Further information
Winner: New Sixth Form Centre, Wymondham College
Landscape Architects: Sheils Flynn, Docking
Landscape Contractors: RG Carter Ltd, Norwich & GDC Ltd, St Olaves
The landscape design of the Wymondham College sixth form centre fulfils two objectives: the strengthening, enhancement and re-instatement of the existing parkland in which the building sits, and the creation of a courtyard as an enhancement to the new accommodation.
The exterior site
For the external parts of the site, simplicity is paramount. Additional specimen tree planting is provided to complement the young plantations that already exist.
A classic formal hedge of Hornbeam is set around the base of the curved façade in order to achieve a green plinth to help embed the structure within its rural context.
Internal courtyard
The internal courtyard is designed to be a positive space, a focus and a destination, with opportunities for both group activities and quiet study and relaxation.
The building’s configuration presented a challenge in terms of geometry, with a change in level adding to the complexity. The resultant design echoes the architectural lines, but also plays with the suggested shapes in order to create dynamic features.
For example, carefully positioned triangular blocks serve not only as places on which students can sit but also as a means of directing pedestrian flow. Two ‘stages’ are provided: one is fiercely angular whilst the second, a pure circle of timber decking, provides a contrasting focal point.
Attention to detail
Careful attention to detail, such as the meticulous cutting of setts to achieve beautifully symmetrical points, has resulted in potentially ordinary features becoming visually exciting.
Care has been taken to ensure that the junction with the building is seamless; the steps of the grass terraces have informed the ground-floor windowsill design, and a section of wall has been added and coloured to break down the distinction between the building and its landscape.
Planting
The planting design uses a restrained palette of species. Ornamental grasses and multi-stemmed Birches provide additional texture, and the white stems of the trees are chosen to pick up the scheme’s nighttime illumination.
Related pages on this website
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Conservation and Design Architect |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533811 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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