Above and beyond
In creating an expansive new building for Bradford Grammar School, SDA Architects knew they had to think outside of the box – quite literally. The brief called for a simple but striking addition to the new sports surfaces, but with a large 70 x 30m long elevation and a limited budget, SDA opted to deconstruct the barn concept.
Transparency and variety
A portal frame was constructed to manage the clear span required, and a varied palette of timber cladding, perforated metal sheets and solid panels provided transparency and variety. It’s a passive solution that provides shelter from the weather but maintains the connection with the outside sports facilities.
Clean lines
Russwood SILA Select® Siberian Larch RW014 cladding was selected for its clean lines and durability, and arranged both horizontally and vertically at varying distances to create a ‘hit and miss’ effect. The success of the aesthetic relies on the finishing touches, such as the SiOO:X treatment which will allow for uniform weathering, and KompeFix® strips, which will enhance ventilation and maintain the crisp lines of the cladding.
Set against the striking red metal sheets, the overall effect is distinctive and unique – a triumph of utilitarian architecture.
As the building was a bespoke design, Russwood were proactive in providing generic details to assist with the development of the technical solution with the Main Contractor on site.
SDA Architects