The central feature is a large glazed atrium which forms a secondary façade to the main teaching block. A light, inspirational space, the atrium is a circulation zone to the major spaces within the campus but also a space for social and informal group learning and flexible teaching space.

The College wanted to set a striking example and be ‘loud’ with sustainable technologies. Atop the striking building is a rooftop trio of turbines; a ‘balancing pond’ collects rain water and allows for its slow dissemination and absorption, so that drainage on this steep hill is not under pressure; sedum roofs absorb pollutants, provide a great habitat for insects, reduce run off and direct heat on the building, so the temperature is controlled naturally; wildflower meadows border the college and soften the edges of the harder landscaping required to make the site safe and accessible to all.

Perched on a steep hillside, we were working with an unusual topography and building upwards instead of outwards. The result is a visionary building, prominent across the city, with an inspirational floor to ceiling atrium multi-function space and most importantly – a building to serve future generations.