The Open Academy Norwich, UK

This Academy, the first to be delivered in Norwich, is jointly sponsored by the Bishop of Norwich Graham James, and local businessman Graham Dacre.

The plan is conceived as a series of concentric rings that form the main drum of the building. The inner band provides the main circulation, wrapping as balconies around an atrium. The outer band accommodates classrooms to maximise the natural daylight, ventilation and views. This relationship gives the building a dual aspect: a central heart to look into, strengthening the sense of a pastoral community within the school; and outward views in the round to external teaching spaces and the wider community.

A cross-laminated timber system forms the structural core of the building; this will reduce its carbon footprint by over 50% - equivalent to running 12% of renewable energy on site for 25 years. The timber finish was left exposed where possible.