Eco-Friendly home for international students entering UK Boarding

A three-storey, cross-laminated timber building surrounding a courtyard, designed for international students. It features 34 ensuite bedrooms for 80 students, staff flats, and teaching facilities, primarily located on the ground floor, including classrooms, music rooms, IT suites, art studios, and common rooms. Achieved BREEAM 'Very Good'.

The project is part of the school’s £48m masterplan, which includes the Malthouse performing arts centre, Kingsdown House boarding accommodation, Mitchinson’s day house, and the new Rausing Science Centre—all developed in collaboration with Skelly & Couch.
The building features a modular, square plan, surrounding a private courtyard designed for socialising and outdoor learning. Ground floor classrooms are complemented by breakout spaces that overlook the courtyard. Above, the first and second floors accommodate up to 80 students in en-suite bedrooms, with staff flats provided on both levels.

The building has been designed on passive environmental principles. Early involvement ensured the façade and fenestrations allowed for all internal spaces to be adequately daylit, and naturally ventilated, while preventing overheating. Off-site construction bathroom pods and CLT elements have been integrated, requiring a high level of early co-ordination.

The ground floor classrooms are naturally ventilated, and include a system by Windowmaster, which monitors internal temperature and CO2 levels, adjusting window openings accordingly. The same classrooms rely on architecturally exposed concrete ceilings to provide thermal mass, maintaining comfortable internal temperatures all year round, without the need for active cooling measures.

LED lighting and smart lighting controls reduce electrical energy consumption. Underfloor heating has been used throughout the ground floor, utilising low water temperatures, thus reducing the heat demand from the main heating plant.

The International School creates a welcoming and inspiring experience for young pupils arriving in the UK, whilst setting a benchmark for sustainability in boarding education. It reinforces the school’s global leadership and environmental responsibility.

Awards

RIBA National Award 2021. Find out more.

Civic Trust Awards - Highly Commended. Judges’ Comments: “Overall, there is a good sense of proportions, the chosen materials work well and the atmosphere of the place is secure and safe for the student community.”