Project : Falmouth School Design Studio

Client : Falmouth School, Cornwall

Completed : 2008

Creating an exemplar educational building demonstrating the value of pupil participation within a tight budget and programme

Urban Salon were architects for the extension and refurbishment of Falmouth School's existing 1960s design & technology block. The project had an unusual commissioning process with a group of 11 pupils selected from Year 9 and 10 as clients. A key challenge was meeting the students' ambitious brief for a landmark, an inspiring new learning environment and a beacon for sustainable design within the tight budget and programme.  The design used solid laminated timber panels illustrating how a bespoke but prefabricated solution can be efficient environmentally and programmatically and still create an exceptional building.

The project has featured in educational exhibitions, conferences and seminars and has won numerous awards and commendations including a RIBA award, a Wood award and a TES award.

'The success of the project lies not only in the creation of a new identity for the design & technology block, but in building up the confidence and pride of students. .. Not just half a million pounds to reinvent a failing school then, but some big thinking from young minds. And you can’t put a price on that.'

RIBA Journal, August 2008.