The Grove School, Cambridge

In the past year, The Grove School in Cambridge has developed a number of community projects within the local area. An Islamic school meets within the premises at the weekend, the main hall is open in the evenings for Tai Kwon Do and aerobics and the on site pool is rented by local clubs. Being a vibrant part of the community is important to staff and pupils however the entrance to the building really did not reflect the school ethos.

Running parallel to the main road, the main entrance to the school is not clearly visible and it certainly is not the welcoming and bold entrance the Head, staff and pupils would like. When asked about a potential space for a makeover, the exterior of the school was the first thing many staff and pupils commented on

BEFORE:

 

 Capita Architecture worked on the designs for this project.   Here is what they had to say about the designs:

“The school is a long low building in a dark brick, it’s very dull with nothing much exciting going on.

Following the student engagement session, the children came forward with many creative ideas, involving bright colours, the sea, sky, animals and people.

I then came forward with a design with three main elements:

a. Creating a vertical band of bricks which runs right along the front of the building about one metre above ground, all painted in random bright colours. Described as “a rainbow hugging the school”, it is at eye height for the smaller children, so that every time they come to school they will be welcomed by the colours.
To achieve this, the vertical bricks were marked with chalk to show which colour was to be applied and later they were patiently painted by experienced hands.

b. Painting the vertical reveals of the windows in bright colours to enhance the red “tired” window frames.

c. Painting a low vertical tower adjacent to the entrance white, and applying a decorative mural incorporating water, foliage, sky and animals to show the school identity in its variety of culture, people and traditions.

The school now shows its nature, character and personality of being a primary school where kids have fun and are happy, joyful and excited in an environment where everybody is different (colors) and very special (animals)”

 

The end result is one that is striking, lively and bright... see for yourself!

The makeover at The Grove School took place on the 7th & 8th October 2009.

With thanks to:

Architects – Capita Architecture
Artwork – Inkymess
Bike rack – Marshalls Plc
Door Handles - Acorn Ironmongery
Painting - Metric Painters Ltd

 

and a special thanks to the staff and pupils at The Grove!