The Green at the Cannock Campus for Staffordshire College is a new build and refurbishment scheme of an existing college building in a Conservation Area in Staffordshire.

 
Location:
Staffordshire
Services:

Architecture

Budget:
£4.9m
Client:
South Staffordshire College
Awards:
LABC Awards - Best Educational Building - Highly Commended
Sector:
Education - Further & Higher
Retrofit & Recladding
 

The existing structure is a robust and formal building of classical proportions and detailing. The new build uses materials of an equally robust appearance that are appropriate to the urban setting and reflect the modern ‘urban’ curriculum taught at the campus.

The existing masonry has been cleaned giving a fresher look to the facade and a new glass covered entrance way adds a modern element to the frontage.

A new inspiring 3 storey atrium space creates a central heart to the building and contains an open and centralised reception and a new student services area. The improved learner facilities include new ICT suites, with an upgraded ICT infrastructure, therapy rooms and showers.

 

Internal reordering of circulation and enhanced means of escape improves internal access, whilst access from the car park has been simplified and the creation of new ramps and staircases at the perimeter of the building has improved the overall access to the building.

 

Internally, simple white renders maintain the classical characteristic of the building, while bursts of bold coloured feature walls add a contemporary feel, enhanced by shots of neon lighting from colour changing light columns at hi-tech styled workstations.  A mix of glossy, bright coloured finishes and metallic sculpture seating add vibrancy to the crisp white areas.

The College’s aim to improve community links has been met by providing public access to the ground floor of the atrium and by offering courses such as Hair & Beauty.

 

Designed to achieve BREEAM Very Good rating, the build incorporates ‘A’ rated construction and materials chosen from the Green Guide.