One in a Million Free School
One in a Million Free School
This conversion of Europe’s largest football store into the One in a Million Free School has won praise for its imaginative approach from Lord Nash, Schools Minister. Formerly owned by Bradford City Football Club the building is now home to 350 secondary school children learning in a creative environment.
The design brings natural light and ventilation into the building and creates adaptable spaces. A large new roof-light over the former escalator void now illuminates the central atrium space.
Using simple strategies for environmental control the design overcomes a 5-fold increase in the density of occupation. A ring of circulation divides the cellular spaces on the perimeter from the open plan areas. Sliding walls and lightweight partitions anticipate desirable changes of layout.
Project Information
One In a Million Free School, Bradford
Conversion of a 3000m2 Retail Store into 350-place Free School
Value: £2.6m / Client: Willmott Dixon Construction / Programme: Completion August 2013 / Architect’s Role: Complete Service RIBA Stages A-L [A-C with MACE]
All photographs are © Dennis Gilbert
