New Assembly Hall

Hoopers Architects planning new assembly hall for school

Assembly Hall
St Louis Catholic Academy
Newmarket

The New Assembly Hall at St Louis is nestled within the historic charm of a Victorian three-storey school building dating back to 1897. Surrounding the main building is a blend of landscapes, with a predominantly hard playground to the rear and expansive grass lawns with mature trees, strategically defining the spatial layout of the site.

In addition to the main building, the campus boasts standalone structures including a nursery building, temporary classrooms, and kitchen/dining facilities. Hoopers served as the lead consultant and project architect, guiding the project from inception through to completion.

A central objective of the project was to create a standalone structure that harmonizes with the existing Victorian architecture while exuding a contemporary flair. This vision was realized through an attention to detail in selecting materials and forms that respond to each varying backdrop.

The New Assembly Hall comprises two main teaching spaces spanning two storeys. On the first floor, three classrooms feature oak verandahs for outdoor learning, alongside WC facilities accessible via feature staircase and platform lift. On the ground floor, a spacious younger years reception class welcomes students with bifold doors leading to an integrated washroom area and separate outdoor play space. The highlight of the ground floor is the new school hall, characterized by its mono-pitch vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling zinc windows, flooding the space with natural light.

Even with some dominating architectural features, the design prioritised efficiency, ensuring a minimal footprint to minimize disruption to the surrounding landscape. The result is a modern facility seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the hsitoric school grounds, ready to serve generations of learners to come.

Architectural education project by Hoopers Architects
Project by Hoopers Architects, Suffolk architects

Details

Main Contractor

SEH French

Photography

Ross Warren, Hoopers