Join us for an exclusive opportunity to discover more about Mercia School in Sheffield, the RIBA Yorkshire Award winner, from Architect Bruce Raw from Bond Bryan, Dean Webster, Mercia School Headteacher and Sean McClean from Sheffield City Council.
Mercia School is built on a former landfill site. This new secondary school has been funded through the local authority. It closely follows the prescriptive design guidance from Department for Education (DfE) with a slight uplift on the minimum area allowance.
Using a restrained palette of buff brick, and a regular grid of windows, the school exudes a confident solidity and gravitas. It is enhanced by subtle but significant design gestures. A slight break in the geometry of the front elevation and the introduction of a large area of glazing naturally signal the front entrance. Areas of vertical timber cladding are used on the courtyard elevation to the communal spaces, and the large sports block provide contrast. These are further animated by the simple device of varied timber spacing. These gestures lend a level of sophistication to the building.
The school has closely followed the guidance provided by the DfE, utilising natural ventilation, thermal mass and high levels of daylight. The 30% energy saving on the target emission rate is an excellent achievement. Overall this project is an impressive example of quality spaces and places for delivering education.
This event is part of our Great British Buildings series of talks and tours around the country.
Ticket prices
- Non Member: £10.00
- RIBA Member/Friend: £7.50
- Student/Concession: £5.00
