The project at Colyton Grammar School involved the replacement of the outdated Cottrill Hall building to provide a new, modern, multi-purpose hall that met with the growing schools needs. The hall originally stored PE equipment, student changing facilities and the PE office, as well as providing a large, but inadequate assembly and examination space. The new building needed to enhance the overall examination/performance space and provide the necessary services to create a multifaceted building capable of housing student exams, school productions, functions and events. The existing PE facilities were moved to the existing sports centre on the school site.

The original building was unappealing due its scale and dominance within the school campus, and was incongruous in its setting. Our design for the building and its extensions were aimed to improve the aesthetics of the building with design and materiality that enables Cottrill Hall to sit more comfortably within the campus setting.

The existing high level cladding was removed and replaced with horizontally laid untreated cedar cladding; a material that is employed elsewhere on the school site. This timber cladding was also used on the western two storey extension in a horizontal arrangement and on the entrance foyer extension vertically. 

The existing brick below the cladding was tinted to match the campus style red brick, enabling the building to sit far more comfortably in its immediate surroundings. The incorporation of planar glazing, powder coated aluminium windows and doors, and coloured infill panels provided modelling and interest to the elevational treatment.

"TFQ have provided architectural services to the school since 2008. Their highly professional and creative approach has enabled the school to significantly enhance the school estate, even in a period when capital funds are in short supply. Their team is a delight to work with!”

Steve Cook - Business Manager

Colyton Grammar School Academy Trust