The students and teachers of St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen, are enjoying their first school year in their new facility, designed by Hamilton Architects.
The complex sensitively integrates into its rural surroundings through varietal rooflines and finishes which mimic the appearance of a cluster of rural buildings, along with colours and forms which reflect the local countryside.
Design influences include the town square, the traditional Irish round tower, ancient local cairns and graves, local granite and basalt rock formations, Irish bog oak, and the strong local tradition for poetry.
A landscaped court at the centre of the site is wrapped by circulation and social spaces featuring colourful multi-level floors connected on the entrance side. This approach has created a series of interconnected spaces illuminated by natural light which affords beautiful site views from many angles.
It is an impressive scheme which makes a thoughtful and bold contribution to the learning environment of its students. Facilities include classrooms, sports, gym and multi-purpose halls, a separate Learning Resource Centre, administrative block, dedicated school meals kitchen, car parking and bus set-down.
In a turnaround, the new school is located on the site of the old school’s playing fields, while the demolished buildings facilitate the new 3G games pitches and tennis courts.
Altogether, it is an impressive scheme that makes a thoughtful and bold contribution to the learning environment of its students encompassing classrooms, sports, gym and multi-purpose halls, a separate Learning Resource Centre, administrative block, dedicated school meals kitchen, car parking and bus set-down.
