{"id":976,"date":"2025-09-25T08:30:44","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T08:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.scientificmediagroup.com\/?p=976"},"modified":"2025-10-02T16:17:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T16:17:53","slug":"alison-and-peter-smithson-school-to-be-refurbished-before-it-is-too-late","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.scientificmediagroup.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/25\/alison-and-peter-smithson-school-to-be-refurbished-before-it-is-too-late\/","title":{"rendered":"Alison and Peter Smithson school to be refurbished “before it is too late”"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Smithdon<\/div>\n

Plans have been unveiled by London-based architecture studio Jestico + Whiles<\/a> to revitalise Alison and Peter Smithson<\/a>‘s 1950s Smithdon High School in Norfolk<\/a>, UK.<\/span><\/p>\n

Completed by the duo in 1954, the Grade II*-listed secondary school<\/a>, previously named Hunstanton School, comprises two glass and steel structures that both are in need of updating.<\/p>\n

According to Jestico + Whiles<\/a>, the refurbishment will see a series of issues resolved with the building’s fabric to ensure the school can be “used fully as the Smithson’s had originally intended”.<\/p>\n

Updates to the structure\u00a0will include new facade glazing, the expansions of classroom spaces and removal of “unsympathetic additions” for improved accessibility.<\/p>\n

\"Free-standing
The grade II*-listed Smithdon High School will be refurbished by Jestico + Whiles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“This unique project aims to save this highly significant building before it is too late,” director at Jestico + Whiles Ben Marston said.<\/p>\n

“By addressing these functional challenges, the whole building will be able to be fully used once more,” the studio said.<\/p>\n

“This in turn means that a series of unsympathetic additions can be cleared, restoring the building’s original arrangement and architectural integrity,” it added.<\/p>\n

The redevelopment is being funded by the Department for Education School Rebuilding Programme, with the redesigns lead by Jestico + Whiles in collaboration with contractor Bowmer + Kirkland<\/a>, conservation architects Purcell<\/a>, planning consultants DPP<\/a> and engineering firm Arup<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Construction on the site is set to begin 2026, with the school expected to reopen in 2028. Temporary classroom blocks will be built on site during the construction.<\/p>\n

\"Visualisation
The renovation will improve the school’s learning spaces and energy usage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The school’s two-storey blocks are formed of a rectilinear concrete and steel framework infilled with brick. Materials and services were left exposed across the exterior and interior in line with the Smithson’s concept of New Brutalism.<\/p>\n

Notable features of the school include a free-standing water tower, listed gymnasium and double-height hall, which will see its infill offices removed to renew a connection with the internal courtyards.<\/p>\n

“Conservation gains include improving transparency at ground floor and bringing the central hall closer to its original character,” the studio said.<\/p>\n