Science and Technology Centre and Global Study Centre, Sevenoaks School

by Tim Ronalds Architects

Client Sevenoaks School

Awards RIBA South East Award 2019, RIBA South East Client of the Year Award 2019 and RIBA National Award 2019

This carefully developed building completes a major phase of a development at an Independent school in Sevenoaks. The client has been an intelligent, experienced and above all enthusiastic member of the design team. The building is sited adjacent to the RIBA Award winning Performing Arts Centre also completed by Tim Ronalds Architects in 2010. The two buildings form the eastern and northern edges of a new courtyard playground.

Externally, the two wings of the new building are formed in the same beautifully detailed brickwork. One block, however, demonstrates an original notion of science building as factory through its expressed saw tooth roof line.

Internally the building has a more complex and intricate expression. The main block encloses a central atrium space, three storeys in height. This has become the focus of a previously disparate department and is a great cathedral of a space, full of life and light. Classrooms are arranged around the atrium and are separated from the circulation space by glass vitrines - display cases filled with student project work, interpretation material and other display items. Throughout the building finishes are stripped back to reveal the main materials of construction: precast concrete, steel and laminated timber – all beautifully detailed, constructed and finished. The building’s ventilation strategy is seamlessly incorporated into the composition.

This is a serious work of architecture, respectful to adjacent buildings of all ages, urbanistic in its spatial approach and remarkably consistent in the high-quality approach to detailing.

Contract Value £23m

Internal Area 7,200m²

Contractor Gilbert-Ash

Structural Engineer Eckersley O'Callaghan

Environmental / M&E Engineer Max Fordham LLP

Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant Bristow Johnson

Acoustic Engineer Ramboll

Project Management Synergy Construction & Property Consultants

Approved Inspector JM Partnership