LSI buildings awarded by RIBA

Two educational buildings designed by LSI Architects, one at Wymondham College and the INTO Centre, are finalists in this year's RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards.

Wymondham College's sixth form boarding facilities and INTO University of East Anglia's a new GBP30M state-of-the-art study centre for international students based at the UEA campus in Norwich, have both been shortlisted for the architectural award scheme.

The award is aimed at celebrating the ingenuity, design excellence and innovativeness of architects and architecture across the Eastern Region, and have been designed to draw greater public awareness to the fine architecture within the region, and to the design skills of architects in the East.

Wymondham College.

The new, GBP6.75 million boarding facilities expansion scheme at Wymondham College recently won a South Norfolk Award for 'Design Excellence', where South Norfolk Council was so '"stunned" by the project that they broke with tradition and created a unique category.

The scheme also secured the Award for 'New Building' and the Award for 'Landscape' and also won a Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Award this year under the category 'New Extensions'.

The Wymondham sixth form boarding facilities involve a 'wishbone' style extension to an existing boarding block, with 115 new ensuite single study bedrooms and support accommodation, library, IT suite, reading room, office, music room, student lounges and communal activity spaces as well as an expansion of the existing dining facilities.

The new building links to the existing Lincoln Hall building to provide a single base for all Year 12 and Year 13 pupils.

The main design concept for the new complex was to provide residents with an outward view over the Norfolk countryside.

Wymondham College is both the UK's largest State Boarding School and one of the few State Boarding schools in the country, classified by the DfES as a 'Successful and Popular' School.

LSI Architects is holding a private view and tours of the spectacular new development on Thursday, 23rd July from 5pm - 8pm.

Media representatives wishing to attend are requested to RSVP as soon as possible by email to carri@carismacommunications.co.uk.

INTO Centre.

The new INTO Centre provides new academic and teaching facilities linked to new student residences comprising 415 ensuite study bedrooms, and communal kitchen facilities.

The INTO University of East Anglia Centre is a Joint Venture project between INTO and the University, providing a wide range of pathway courses for international students.

The 5-storey, 136,900 square feet of stylish, learning and accommodation facilities on the campus include multi-purpose lecture theatres, classrooms, IT and science laboratories and flexible teaching and self-study space - all integrated with study-bedrooms with ensuite facilities.

The scheme also incorporates a centralised restaurant and student support services.

The INTO residential accommodation has been configured in groups to encourage social interaction around communal group kitchen/dining spaces and circulation space is intended to facilitate access for people with disabilities, and will require the provision of level thresholds, wheelchair turning / passing areas, and suitable door and corridor widths.

Wheelchair accessible rooms have been included with an increased floor area and furniture and fittings to be specified according to the needs of individuals.

The INTO Centre project contributes towards LSI Architects' masterplan for a new piazza at the east end of the campus, framed by already completed healthcare and nursery facilities and student residences, all designed by the practice.

The student residences were constructed in two phases.

David Thompson, a Principal Member of LSI Architects commented: "Both schemes were designed to meet exceptionally high quality standards and our practice is proud to showcase its expertise in designing educational facilities and accommodation".

"The projects met very tight construction programmes and the sustainability agenda was a key determinant of both designs".

Back to top