e+architecture have been involved with Girton Grammar School for over 14 years. In the early years e+architecture worked with the newly formed Girton Board.
Funding was very limited and the projects modest. As the School consolidated and grew there was a need to plan for the future. Although a number of Master Plans had been prepared for Girton Grammar, in 1998 e+architecture produced an Opportunities Paper which addressed issues such as the School's growth strategy, availability of land, the School's mission statement and educational curriculum, establishment of the 5 pillars of the School and establishment of the School's corporate image.
Working with the Board and Teachers, one of the first points which was identified was that Teacher methods were constantly changing and that facilities and spaces had to be flexible to deal with changes and investing in state-of-the-art buildings was important.
Good buildings provide the best environment for teaching and learning, as well as establishing pride for the School. The first building which was delivered using this philosophy was the Morey Building.
A very innovative design allowed e+architecture to accommodate 8 No. Classrooms areas with adjoining IT Rooms, Administration and Staff Facilities, together with a large activities area and toilet facilities on a very tight site.
The two storey building, with totally flexible operable walls, enabled Classroom spaces to open up. The ground floor spaces also opened up to the large activities area, which also opened out into the outdoor recreation area.
The large activities area is a two storey volume with good natural light and ventilation. Internal fitout and materials were again carefully considered, issues such as appearance, maintenance, acoustic qualities and "useable" areas were addressed by developing a wall system consisting of 1200m high laminate panelling with "corkboard" to remaining walls. Internal windows were introduced which also provided a visual link between Classrooms.
IT infrastructure, as well as retractable project screens, were provided throughout the building.
The end result was a building that both Teachers and Students enjoy being in, a building which offers many educational and co-curriculum opportunities and great space for open days and School Functions.
The building was completed for the start of the 2002 school year and the functionality and appearance of the building, both internally and externally, is proof that design principles and the selection and use of aterials were properly researched and very appropriate in achieving the School's short and long term objectives.