Other Music Schools

CHIGWELL SCHOOL, MUSIC SCHOOL REFURBISHMENT AND EXTENSION

The existing Music School at Chigwell School was built in the 1960's, providing a large classroom/performance space, practice rooms and instrument stores. Since the Music School was constructed the Music Department has grown in size and required additional accommodation. An extension to the Music School was designed providing an additional Music Technology Room (computers and keyboards), a peripatetic staff room, an additional practice room and a percussion/amplified music room. The existing Music School is situated in the heart of the School Campus and is part of the Chigwell conservation area therefore the new extension had to be designed sensitively to match the existing Music School and blend with the surrounding Victorian buildings. The project was discussed with the planning department at an early stage to ensure that a recommendation for approval would be given. The bricks and slates were carefully chosen to match the existing Music School. The project gained planning permission in 1999 and the project was completed in December that year. It was decided that the existing electrics and lighting to the existing Music School should be replaced as part of the contract works. A new fire alarm system was also installed in both the existing Music School and the new extension. The Music School was also linked to the Schools computer network system with new trunking to all rooms. All the existing single glazed timber windows were replaced and new aluminium double glazed windows were installed improving thermal performance and greatly reducing maintenance. An acoustic consultant was employed to advise on the acoustic aspects of the design. The percussion room was formed from an old armoury building which was linked into the new extension. An acoustic ceiling was added to the percussion room to improve the sound. In terms of design the new extension was designed to match the form of the existing Classroom with its high gable and tall windows. The completed building now forms on sside of a courtyard art the centre of the School. The refurbished and extended Music School was formally opened by Michael Gough Williams, Past Director of the Royal College of Music, in May 2001.

Comments; webmaster@bhmarchitects.com: Last updated February 14, 2008.