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Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsThe new Hilden Grange Prep School, designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/massive-park-hill-post-war-slum-being-regenerated-into-a-colorful-and-bright-housing-complex/park-hill-hawkins-brown-9/" target="_blank">HawkinsBrown</a>, is a £4.4 million redevelopment of an old Victorian building located Kent, UK. The building is organized around a sunken assembly and dining hall with floor-to-ceiling glass doors which open up towards external dining areas and an outdoor amphitheatre. It achieved a low carbon footprint and a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/manchesters-one-angel-square-is-the-uks-most-breeam-outstanding-building/" target="_blank">BREEAM rating</a> of ‘very good’.1
Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsThe school which is run by Alpha Plus Group is reserved for children aged three to thirteen.2
Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsIt is located upon a hill within a conservation area on the edge of Tonbridge in Kent.3
Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsNew wings, which include specialist art and science classrooms and a library, were set into the hillside with terraced exterior areas which reconnect the school to the surrounding landscape.4
Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsApart from its sunken part, which had to built from blockwork and concrete, the rest of the school was built entirely from prefabricated cross-laminated timber.5
Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsThis highly efficient method of construction is known for creating well insulated and naturally cooled rooms.6
Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsThe construction technique also allowed for most of the components to be manufactured offsite.7
Hilden Grunge Hawkins Brown ArchitectsIt also ensured that the schools stayed open during the renovation.8
