The new School of Animal Husbandry provides permanent, bespoke, sustainable accommodation within the Bicton College campus for the housing and teaching of the curriculum associated with smaller animals, including reptiles, fish, birds, rodents and small mammals including small primates.
Location
East Devon
Client
Bicton College
Service
Architecture
Sector
Education
Value
£1.8M
Area
81 sq m
Sustainability
BREEAM Excellent
Completed
2014
The £1.8m, highly sustainable facility demonstrates best practice in the design of animal enclosures and animal environments, and includes a series of external animal and bird enclosures as well as internal animal housing, teaching and handling areas, dog grooming studio, several large and airy classrooms, reception, offices, storage and servicing facilities.
Bicton Park is listed by English Heritage as Grade 1 Registered Landscape and the sensitive design illustrates how new buildings can be designed to complement the natural and historic learning environment. It was the subject of extensive discussions with the LPA and their Conservation Officers and English Heritage as part of a pre-application design development process.
The building has a modest first floor structure which was intended as an uncompromising, contemporary feature which is softened within its wooded setting by the use of local timber cladding. This first floor straddles the containing red sandstone wall which itself anchors the development to the landscape.
The plan form is predominantly single storey due to the requirement for external interconnectivity. A green roof, PV installation, and high levels of insulation ensure comfort and an environmentally sound approach.