West Durrington Campus Masterplan

ECE Architecture

A decade-long masterplanned transformation of West Durrington Campus, creating exceptional educational environments through strategic phased development and innovative learning spaces.

Beginning with a comprehensive estate review in 2013, our masterplanning vision identified transformational opportunities across the West Durrington Campus. This phased approach reimagined the entire campus experience, creating a cohesive educational environment where each phase builds upon the last, establishing clear circulation routes and campus identity.

Phase 1: Reimagining campus identity

Our Phase 1 design tackled the campus’s fundamental challenge: creating a clear sense of arrival. The bold new zinc-clad entrance, refectory, and learning resource centre replaced poor-quality facilities while establishing a welcoming gateway.

The main entrance features a dramatic 3-storey atrium, whilst the western façade maximises natural daylight through a fully glazed curtain wall with integrated solar shading. Strategic reconfiguration converted the former refectory into cutting-edge music studios, co-locating music and drama departments for interdisciplinary learning. Column-free refectory and library spaces, achieved through innovative truss design, maximise flexibility whilst creating inspiring social hubs.

Phase 2: Where learning becomes reality

Phase 2 introduced the Construction Trades Centre, optimising this brownfield site whilst supporting the sustainable estate strategy. The building becomes a teaching tool – exposed structural elements create a “readable” environment where students visually understand construction principles while learning. Large specialist workshops for brickwork, carpentry, and joinery provide hands-on experience, whilst photovoltaic arrays demonstrate sustainability commitments. 

The dark brown brick and grey metal cladding create architectural dialogue with Phase 1, forming campus “bookends” that frame the educational experience.

This masterplanned transformation demonstrates how strategic phased development has revitalised West Durrington Campus, creating inspiring educational environments where students thrive. The project successfully bridges technical skills with creative learning, establishing a cohesive campus identity that supports interdisciplinary collaboration.