Wymondham College
Client:
Wymondham College
Year of Completion:
2008
Architect/Designer: LSI Architects Main Contractor/Customer: RG Carter
Architect/Designer: LSI Architects Main Contractor/Customer: RG Carter
Wymondham College, the UK’s largest state boarding school, underwent massive expansion this year led by LSI Architects and contractors RG Carter. The brand new sixth form block includes 115 new bedrooms, library, IT rooms, extensive study spaces and an outdoor performance area which cried out for a tensile fabric canopy.
The project entailed the creation of a four pointed hypar canopy which RG Carters contracted Architen Landrell to design, manufacture and install. The canopy provides a eye catching focal point for a performance area but also weather protection for performers and spectators.
The design team specified a type II PVC coated polyester fabric due to ease of maintenance and durability, as well as excellent value for money - an important consideration for any school. The fabric was supported by stainless steel boundary cables and very large galvanized membrane plates which fixed the tension sail back to the walls and removed the need for any masts. Water deflectors were positioned along two sides of the canopy in order to divert rainwater away from the performance area.
While not a uniform hypar, the canopy shape is spectacular when viewed from any angle and draws attention towards the otherwise insignificant space.
In 2009 LSI Architects won a Design Excellence Award for their work at Wymondham College - Architen Landrell are pleased to have been able to contribute!
