Bettws High School
The design of this new secondary school responds to Newport City Council's Single Education Plan to provide inspirational schools for the 21st century accommodating facilities for pupils and the local community including a business suite, all weather playing fields, a four lane swimming pool and a cafe.
The design is defined by the main entrance, a curved three storey frontage acting as an acoustic barrier to the four, naturally ventilated two storey fingers to the south. Internally a combination of curved walls, angled and circular rooms further characterise the school forming intimate areas, informal focal points and vistas to the courtyards and playing fields beyond.
The overall BREEAM rating for the development is 'very good' accounting for the rainwater harvesting, the landscaping of the site which enhances the natural habitat and the material recycling of the existing school, post demolition.
Services: structural engineering, civil engineering.