Challenge

Endeavour School is a new development for 420 pupils in Andover, Hampshire, UK, designed by Architects Hampshire County Council Property Services.

The design involves buildings arranged around a central courtyard.

The design was a collaboration between the interior designer, architect and landscape architect. The interior designer was originally inspired by an artist called Rex Ray, who provided the idea for the use of curved, twisting and circular forms. These shapes carry through from the interior finishes to the landscaping and play surfacing outside.

The circular raised beds in the courtyard area correspond to the position of the doors, while contrasting with the geometric forms of the building.

Solution

Kinley systems provided edging for use between paving, synthetic turf, planting borders and play areas.

Kinley Systems' Exceledge provided AluExcel aluminium range, which was used to create a clean and crisp edge to the outer edge of the rubber play surfacing.

Outcome

AluExcel aluminium edging gives a clean and crisp edge to the outer edge of the rubber play surfacing and is easy to work on site.

The project was a RIBA South East Downland award winner in 2012.

In announcing the awards, RIBA judges praised the work of the County Council, saying

"...a school cannot just be about facilities, it must engender a sense of wellbeing, even pride among pupils and staff. The architects have created an extraordinary place in which pupils feel special...in which the children's needs are primary to the design."

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said:

"These awards are a fantastic achievement and I congratulate the team for their skill, expertise and innovation in these projects. The County Council prides itself on providing children with the best possible start in life and these award-winning facilities offer pupils and staff an outstanding learning environment.

"Not only do such award-winning school buildings foster pride and wellbeing in the teachers and pupils that occupy them, but they also enable the County Council to showcase its strengths in delivering inspirational, practical and resilient design."