ABSTRACT
Sometimes the site for a new school can be a negative factor providing insurmountable problems. In this case it was fundamental in suggesting the inspiring solution. The architect and structural engineer have struggled to overcome these problems and created a building of vivid beauty which is in harmony with the educational ethos and its picturesque site. Axonometic projection from beneath illustrates the interplay between steel and concrete structures and the tree between the two classrooms. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780080499291/f70b01ec-99da-4e86-a882-bbb9f643b2de/content/figcs19_1_B.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Floor plan. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780080499291/f70b01ec-99da-4e86-a882-bbb9f643b2de/content/figcs19_2_B.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Lower structure, concrete supports steel, supports timber. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780080499291/f70b01ec-99da-4e86-a882-bbb9f643b2de/content/figcs19_3_B.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Upper structure in timber sitting on the rigid floor plate beneath. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780080499291/f70b01ec-99da-4e86-a882-bbb9f643b2de/content/figcs19_4_B.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>
Initially an exclusively timber building was planned. This quickly became unworkable, as the structural forces around the base of the tree were so great. The design team came up with a combined timber/steel and concrete solution. First a concrete plate was linked to two pile foundations by a radiating grid of steel struts. This was treated as a foundation upon which a traditional timber frame building was constructed, with wall and roof finishes of Alaska Cedar. The interior is a calming environment surrounded by foliage during the summer months, giving views to the valley beyond during winter. A school which fully exploits its natural setting. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780080499291/f70b01ec-99da-4e86-a882-bbb9f643b2de/content/figcs19_5_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> (Photo: © Peter Hübner.)
Peter Hübner is always concerned with staff and pupil participation in the construction of his buildings. Here the sophisticated structural solution limited the amount of direct participation. A three-dimensional computer system transferred the varying lengths required for the roof beams and structural joints to enable complex geometries to evolve. But it requires specialist contractors. Nevertheless, the extent of pupil participation enabled identification with the building to emerge, which is a lesson in itself.
