Sherborne School Music Building : Information

12 Feb 2009 Green light for state-of-the-art Music School for historic Sherborne School Planners have given the go ahead for a new £2.5m music school building at Sherborne School in Dorset. Using traditional materials consistent with the school's Grade I listed buildings, architects ORMS have designed a bold, contemporary structure that will sit comfortably within its historic context. Students at this leading independent school will enjoy substantial benefits from the new music facilities, enhancing the school's already strong reputation for music education. Extensive new practice and teaching areas, specialist sound studios and a dedicated recital hall for 120 people are included in the design. The Hall will also be available for public performances. ORMS's concept for the 1100sqm development is to create two distinct but related forms either side of a central glass foyer. The architects designed the building in this way to break up the visual impact the structure has on the surroundings. The materials used are consistent with the rest of the school's buildings with local stone at the base and with timber vertical cladding. The central foyer is a focal point for the building that gives unity and orientation to the design. With light pouring in from the top, the two-story high glass atrium provides a vibrant and spacious entrance for public recitals and a central place for students and teachers to meet. The foyer has open balconies linking the rooms on either side, giving a sense of identity and space to the music department. Dale Jennings, Director of ORMS said "We have excellent experience working closely with schools so we understand the value that schools place on their heritage and traditions and how this is balanced against ambitions for continuous improvement. The New Music School for Sherborne is a collective endeavor that we are proud to be a part of. The School was and will continue to be involved as active participants in the process, which is so important for a successful outcome." The department is set within the school's northern campus between a garden area and courtyard. The positioning of the new building will bring a spatial definition to an area that currently lacks any sense of enclosure. The garden's grass bank will be shaped into auditorium seating, providing a venue for performances in the summer. ORMS have also been involved in the master-planning for the whole school campus which meant they could really involve themselves in the school and their needs for new and improved facilities. The Music School project is due for completion in the Spring of 2010. Sherborne School Music Building Dorset information received 090109