Hall Grove School – Early Years Building
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Also called the ‘Great Barn’, this building was completed in 2016 for Hall Grove School and is their brand new early years facility. The oak frame shown here has created a truly lovely class room for the children and is well loved by all who use it. The truss in the foreground is a ‘sling braced truss’ and is popular in open hall type spaces. In the background we see an ‘upper cruck’ where the cruck blades sit over the main floor bridging beam. You will see more these trusses later.
The initial planning and concept drawings for the project were by Robert Blower Architects. The general building work was undertaken by David Parnell who has a long standing relationship with Hall Grove School. Both have been highly professional in their delivery and have been a pleasure to work alongside. Green Oak Architects took over to complete detailed design and to assist in coordination of the build.
Oak framing is a modular system employing a series of ‘bays’ of structure, creating repetition and rhythm that is at the same time compelling and beautiful. Upper cruck frames used here give an immediacy and intimacy to the timber structure ideal for the classroom environment. The window at the end gives accentuates perspective giving views to the landscape beyond.
A side aisle creates a covered walkway in the courtyard play area of the building. A safe haven for tiny tots to play under cover if the weather is inclement.
This airy light filled classroom utilises a ‘sling braced truss’ also used elsewhere. Curved ‘sling braces’ and ‘stub ties’ provide a raised tie type truss that is highly attractive and ideal for this sort of space. They also have the added advantage that from a structural point of view they work well and our engineers like them!
This external view of the covered walkway and courtyard space, illustrates one of the most attractive characteristics of oak framing, the colonnade. The three centred arch form the opening to the gate and adjoins the old garden wall to the right of the picture. This is a highly successful building and one which will create pleasure for many years to come.
“"We wanted to write to you to express our profound gratitude for the excellent work you have done on our building scheme. It cannot have been easy to pick up the project from another architect when there were still a number of issues unresolved, but you have done so brilliantly and remained calm throughout, even at fraught times. We really do appreciate that you have gone the extra mile for us. We have all enjoyed working with you and have been so impressed with the quality of your work."
Alastair, The Early Years Project
“"Everyone is very impressed with the finished result and I thought I would just take the opportunity of belatedly giving my thanks to you and your team for a job very well done. I have submitted the bridge for a Civic Society award for next year and have every expectation of its success."
P White, Northholt & Greenford Countryside Park Manager
“"Seems a long time since we finished with the garden room project but we have to say that it has been a huge success in every aspect. The room has become the place of choice for visitors. I can guarantee that everyone, yes everyone who visits, is blown away by the frame."
Mel, Moat Farm
“"Thanks for the excellent job which has just been completed on the Oak Frame extension to the above property. Not only is the quality of the work faultless, it is a true work of art, which will bring endless enjoyment to me and my wife. The end result has surpassed our wildest expectations."
Ray Nicolaides
“"Just to say that it looks fabulous, and all who survey it are wonder-struck. Best wishes and many thanks to you all."
Simon, National Trust