The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School is a well-established school, located in Elstree, Hertfordshire, with an overall site area of 2.329 acres. The Preparatory School is a standalone building within the campus, which is accessed from the main drive as well as pedestrian routes that are defined from this route-way. The existing school is a two-storey building, dated 1982, with a 2001 extension. The building accommodates boys between the ages of 7 – 11 years.
cube_design were asked to produce a concept design for three additional classrooms; improvement of ICT, Library, Art and Design Technology provision; the relocation of changing facilities, and minor alterations to the administration, staff and visitor entrance. The proposals incorporate external works, including a feature entrance and landscaping.
The design is respectful to the style of the existing building, but offers a contemporary twist through the use of full height glazing and charred timber cladding. The use of a colonnade minimises the buildings footprint whilst enabling a sense of arrival that the existing building is lacking. Furthermore, a landscaped square provides a social gathering point with seating and shelter for arriving parents.
| Location | Elstree, Hertfordshire |
| Client | The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School |
| Project value | £3.5 million |
| RIBA Work Stages | 0 - 7 |
| Project status | Completed |
| cube_design team | Jane Lock-Smith, Thorunn Sigurbjornsdottir , Wayne Dooley |
| Project team | cube_design (Architect) | Rose & Associates (Structural & Civil Engineer) | FG Alden (Mechanical Engineer) | Darke and Taylor (Electrical Engineer) | Artelia UK (Project Manager / Quantity Surveyor) | T&B Contractors (Contractor) |
| Tagged | Learn |
Jane Lock-Smith Bsc(Hons) BArchDist RIBA FFB MCIARB
Managing Director
Jane Lock-Smith can boast an extremely broad range of experience. Since establishing the practice in 2002, Jane has been instrumental to the successful delivery of numerous projects. A significant number of which have won architectural awards; a reflection of Jane and cube_design’s continued commitment to professionalism, excellent design & a passion for creating stimulating environments for learning.
Jane believes that meaningful client involvement is fundamental to the success of projects. Her dedication to producing excellent architecture is recognised by her role within the BSF programme, as a member of the CABE Design Review Panel, and as a RIBA Client Design Advisor.
Thorunn Sigurbjornsdottir BA(Hons)
Architectural Assistant
Thorunn joins us after recently finishing her RIBA Part 1 qualification at the Arts University Bournemouth. During the past three years Thorunn has worked on variety of projects, all different in scale. As part of her final year, Thorunn’s studies focussed on restoration and preservation within architecture, with the intent of extending, reusing and repairing what already exists.
Before starting her studies, Thorunn lived in Iceland; there she finished a college degree in preparatory studies in design and innovation. The degree allowed her to chase her dream and study architecture.
Wayne Dooley BA(Hons)
Senior Graphic Visualiser
Wayne joined cube_design in June 2013, having graduated from Birmingham City University in 2010. He is a skilled architectural visualiser; proficient in a range of 3D software including Cinema 4D, 3D Studio Max, Sketchup Pro and Twinmotion. Wayne is formally qualified in technical illustration and graphic design.
Wayne specialises in the production of cube_design’s 3D visualisations from the initial concept massing studies and stylised visuals to full photo-realistic montages for all of the practice’s projects.
Wayne has recently developed his visualisation skills using the latest Real-Time rendering technology and honed his skills in Lightroom for enhanced photographic content.
