The Shard won one, and so did the London Olympics Aquatic Centre. Now a Harold Hill school is celebrating after taking home an award from The Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) – the most prestigious prize-givers in the building industry.
State-of-the-art facilities at the Drapers’ Academy saw Havering’s newest school shortlisted in the educational category of the London Regional Awards at the beginning of the year.
The building, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, was praised for its layered brick work, innovative indoor “street”, communal courtyard, and layout of the classrooms and hallways, following a visit to the Settle Road secondary by eight judges in March.
The Queen officially opened the £24m building in October 2012; the jewel in the crown of Havering Council’s Harold Hill Ambitions which aims to regenerate the area and improve the quality of life for residents.
School principal, Matthew Slater, said: “We are delighted that the school building has received recognition through the prestigious Riba awards.
“The architects have created a wonderful learning environment, which is enhancing the quality of education for the pupils of Harold Hill.
“The academy is delighted to win this award and glad to put Harold Hill on the map for leading educational facilities.”
The building is now through to the next stage of the competition, with the national awards taking place next month.
A spokesman for Riba said: “The academy has been designed to provide first-class educational facilities for 900 pupils in years 7 to 11 and a 200- pupil sixth form.
“Committed to providing a diverse and balanced curriculum in a stimulating, safe and purposeful environment, the academy has a specialism in science and mathematics that takes advantage of the access to staff and facilities that the connections with its sponsor, Queen Mary University, bring.”
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