Franklin College Classroom Building

The new teaching block is positioned to enclose external courtyard spaces (a feature of the existing college) and form a strong edge to the existing car park. The new building will be entered from the newly opened up corridor to the west of the Learning Centre and contains ten teaching spaces, informal tutorial spaces, a staff  base, reprographics area and storage facilties.

There is a commitment to ‘green’ design and energy efficiency. The roof is planted with a sedum blanket and the excess rainwater is used to irrigate the planting beds below. The teaching spaces are naturally ventilated, bringing cool air in through windows at low-level and expelling warm air through ‘monodraught windcatchers’ in the service zone above the spine corridor.

Constructed in brickwork, the building’s brick ‘skin’ continues inside, lining the principal corridor space. The ceiling soffit is finished in oak adding warmth to the interior whilst maintaining a clear spine through the heart of the building.