Alfriston School Swimming Pool, Buckinghamshire – Projects

Elliott Wood provided the structural and civil engineering design input to realise the ambitious and striking swimming pool design by Duggan Morris Architects for Alfriston School.

A state-funded day and boarding school for girls, Alfriston caters for pupils with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities between the ages of 11 and 18. In 2009, it was transformed into a sports college and to reflect this, the existing sports facilities were consolidated into a fully integrated sports department defined by a single block. Part of this consolidation was the replacement of the derelict swimming pool.

The completed building is a simple beautiful form created from a series of repeating triangular panels raised above the ground to allow views out and glimpses in. The roof is constructed almost wholly from timber and sits on steel piloti above a reinforced concrete sub structure. Elliott Wood worked in collaboration with Duggan Morris Architects and M&E engineers Skelly and Couch to complete this highly complex and commended building that serves students, staff and the general public.