Marlborough Science Academy
Various Faculty Buildings, Sixth form centre and Conference suite at Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans
Phase 1: The Merlin Centre
New build Sixth Form Centre and Music department at Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans
Architect: Elbourn Architects
Project Value: £1.4M
Completion date: 2018
Contractor: Aldwick Building Company
The Merlin Centre is built on a tight site in the heart of Marlborough Science Academy. It is in keeping with the spirit of the original 1950’s school buildings with a contemporary design.
The simple efficient plan is bespoke to the school's specific needs and maximises the available space. The classrooms are flooded with natural light. Internal glass screens provide a spacious feeling throughout and allow different uses to be accommodated.
The high quality of the workmanship, use of natural materials, careful attention to detail and subtle modelling of space has created a dynamic and exciting 21st century learning environment. Accommodation includes an ICT suite, music department, classrooms, student café, study spaces and staff offices.
Phase 2: The Seacole Building
English department and Conference Suite at Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans
Architect: Elbourn Architects
Project Value: £2.5M
Completion date: 2023
Contractor: Aldwick Building Company
The English Faculty includes 8 classrooms, an IT suite and associated offices. The building is entered through a generous social space. A top lit stair leads to the Conference Suite and Media Centre on the first floor complete with all finishes and facilities for remote Zoom meetings or BBC student broadcasts.
Before settling on the final design, we carried out a series of feasibility studies and user consultations considering budget planning and site constraints.
Our chosen site improves an underused and run down area at the front of the school. The new building is orientated to address the main entrance drive and overlooks the listed Barbara Hepworth sculpture Turning Forms.
We have designed the building to a simple efficient plan with access from all school departments. This allows for maximum flexibility in future uses. All spaces are bright and spacious with distant views over St Albans to the north and parkland to the south.
The project includes traditional materials and high-quality detailing to enhance and complement the original 1950's buildings.
Phase 3: The Technology Block
Technology Block at Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans
Architect: Elbourn Architects
Project Value: £2.5M
Completion date: 2026
We are working with MSA on a new eight classroom Technology Block. Having carried out an analysis of several potential sites for the project, including single and two storey options, we settled on an open site overlooking the school playing field.
The new L shaped two-storey pavilion building has teaching spaces arranged around a central entrance hall. This form allows for spacious but efficient circulation and for the classrooms to have pleasing and varying views.
The building is positioned to create a new courtyard between the Technology Block and the existing mid-century buildings. As a result, good light levels in the Art department and Library will be maintained. Existing trees are retained and hard and soft landscaping adjusted to suit pedestrian routes and enhance the new and existing buildings. The compact design has a small footprint to minimise loss of green and recreational space.
The stepped plan combined with thermally efficient triple glazed fenestration, allows high levels of daylight throughout and natural cross ventilation. The project includes a sustainable surface water drainage system, under floor heating, air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. Bat and swift boxes are incorporated into the design and additional trees, and shrubs have been planted on the site. We are aiming for the building to be carbon neutral.
