Bishop Cornish Education Centre
Completed in February 2009, designed in 2004 by Martin when director of Arco2 Architecture, the Bishop Cornish Education Centre represents one of the most remarkable achievements in sustainable design and community participation. Inspired by the success of Lanlivery’s Key Stage 1 classroom, also designed by Martin, staff and governors invited Martin to visit the site and commissioned the design of this 280m2 post and beam building to fulfil their aspirations of providing a preschool facility together with wraparound care as a response to the extended schools initiative. The building is one of the first designs by Martin to incorporate straw bale and natural sheep’s wool within a timber spaced frame construction.
An open plan flexible space with activity zones, the main space opens to an elevated, suspended covered teaching and play area within the canopy of the surrounding trees. Encompassing super insulation with wool and straw throughout, passive solar design, and efficient lighting and heating systems the building exceeds Cornwall Council’s energy performance standards for buildings in education on a budget of 40% less than similar buildings procured through the County Council.
Awards include winner of RICS SW Awards 2010 –Community Benefit Category, & National Green Apple Gold Award for best educational establishment.
This building has now found its place in the history books having been included in the latest edition of the renowned Pevsner Guide to Architecture in Cornwall.
Gross internal floor area 280m2
Awards include winner of RICS SW Awards 2010 –Community Benefit Category, & National Green Apple Gold Award for best educational establishment.
This building has now found its place in the history books having been included in the latest edition of the renowned Pevsner Guide to Architecture in Cornwall.
Gross internal floor area 280m2