DESIGN WORKSHOP
Claremont Fan Court School | Esher | Surrey

Claremont Fan Court School is a private School located in Esher, Surrey. The nationally important Grade I listed historic estate is situated in the greenbelt and contains Grade I, II and II* listed buildings. Prior to becoming a School, the mansion house, built in 1774, was home to, amongst others, Lord Clive of India and Queen Victoria. Notable architectural contributions to the site have included Sir John Vanbrugh, Capability Brown and William Kent.

As part of the first phase of development, a new design technology workshop extension has been completed, as an additional teaching space to the refurbished historic workshop. Connected via a bridged link, the new teaching space positively contrasts the host building but subtly references the articulation on the original facade. The industrial character defines the overall tectonic quality of the building where the side facades are clad in a bronzed expanded metal and are deliberately evocative of a workshop environment. The main entrance wall is framed and fully glazed creating a dramatic picture window of activities within. Internally, the blockwork walls, polished concrete floor and steel structure are kept raw and exposed.

Photography by Nick Kane