Poynton Bradbury Architects were appointed to lead the design of a major new expansion at Bodmin College. The project provides essential new teaching spaces to enable the school to increase its 11–16 pupil capacity from 1,200 to 1,400, while ensuring flexibility for future growth across post-16 provision.
Located on a complex, sloping site to the south east of Bodmin, the brief was to deliver a cost-effective, durable and accessible solution that would support the college’s academic ambitions while remaining sensitive to the operational needs of a busy, fully occupied school.
The new intervention provides four general teaching spaces, two IT rooms, a staff base, and new associated WCs and has been designed with a light weight steel frame clad with Forticrete Blockwork and a robust Equitone rainscreen system. Constructed on the site of a former parking area, the block's L-shaped plan and carefully managed levels reduce retaining structures and integrate efficiently with the site’s existing contours.
A fabric first approach was adopted on the project, incorporating renewable energy systems and MVHR to assist Cornwall Council in meeting their sustainability and net zero carbon targets. The layout was carefully designed around a number of existing and significant trees while achieving a biodiversity net gain through extensive new planting.
The transformation also enables rationalisation within the existing campus: IT rooms in the main Bell Building have been converted into Science Studios, while curriculum realignment in the Harleigh building allows English and Maths to be consolidated into dedicated teaching zones.
Delivered through the MWJV framework in collaboration with Kier, Method Consulting, and MBA Consulting Engineers, the scheme exemplifies our studio’s commitment to designing cost effective, intelligent and adaptable learning environments that support long-term educational success.
