Guildford's Royal Grammar School Expands to Dubai Campus
Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai Unveils Sustainable Campus Design
The Royal Grammar School Guildford, a prestigious independent British Curriculum school in the UK, is set to expand its presence in the Middle East with the construction of its first campus in Dubai. The school's Dubai campus, located within Majid Al Futtaim's flagship community Tilal Al Ghaf, is being designed by international architecture practice Bogle Architects and constructed by Multiplex, a leading and award-winning global construction company.
The campus, set over approximately 40,000 sqm, features a unique 'street' concept with a central atrium of trees, plants, and biophilic walls. This central atrium serves as a communal hub, breakout space for pupils, and an extension of every classroom. The design seeks to maximize sustainability and provide an environment that aids children and staff wellness.
To enhance its sustainability initiatives, the campus has partnered with Total Solar Distributed Generation Middle East. An 868 kWp rooftop and carpark solar installation will be constructed by Enerwhere, producing around 1.4 GWh per year. This solar installation is expected to reduce the facility's carbon emissions by approximately 629 metric tons per year.
The main building's stepped design ensures classrooms are self-shaded from the year-round Dubai sunshine, mitigating solar impact. Ian Bogle, Founder of Bogle Architects, stated that the building's stepping structure offers a solution for self-shading and creates an internal hierarchy for the distribution of children over the height of the building.
The campus will provide passive ventilation and biophilic elements, creating a cool, comfortable learning environment that supports pupils in their studies. The largest spaces in the school are at the top for the older children, while the more intimate spaces are on the lowest floor for the younger children.
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai will accommodate up to 2,100 pupils from Early Years through to Prep and Senior School. The school's Dubai campus is being constructed by Cognita, a global schools group that operates this school in the UAE as part of its expanding presence in the Middle East.
The design of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai's central atrium is a modern interpretation of the original school's historic courtyard. The campus design includes an extensive parent cafe, a 500+ seat, multi-purpose auditorium, an impressive double-story library, a multi-functional sports facility, a 25-metre swimming pool, a smaller learning pool, and a full-size football pitch.
The largest environmental canopy of the school design echoes the diamond structural motif of the leaded windows of the historic chained library in the parent school. The 'street' concept allows for a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging a sense of community and fostering a love for nature among the pupils.
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is set to open in September 2021, subject to KHDA approval and completion of construction at the campus in Tilal AlGhaf. With its focus on sustainability, innovative design, and a commitment to providing a world-class education, the school is poised to make a significant impact in the UAE's educational landscape.
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