Boasting a picturesque backdrop of natural beauty and history, Marlborough College is embarking on a significant and sensitive update of the fabric and facilities of its existing Newton Science building, an early example of shuttered concrete construction. Completed in 1934 and Grade II listed as a building of architectural significance in 1970, it is testimony to a strong scientific tradition at Marlborough College for nearly 100 years.

The science labs have been extended and adapted over the last eighty years, significantly evolving in response to increasing pupil numbers and changes to the pedagogy. The building now has three constituent elements: the original 1930s building and two additional, more functional extensions from the 1950s and 1980s, the latter of which houses the Design Technology department, which will be relocated to a new building close to the River Kennett.

Skelly & Couch is leading the M&E design for a deep refurbishment of the structure with the replacement of all services. The proposed strategy will utilise all energy-saving opportunities to provide efficient services and ensure minimum intervention to the listed structure. The existing building is being revitalised through responsive interventions which include low U values for the 1950s and 1980s blocks, improved air tightness for the Newton block and the maximisation of natural ventilation to reduce energy use and improve thermal conditions.

There are also plans to design a new Innovation Centre as part of this project, comprising 12 large rooms, allowing for flexible use and subdivision.