Member Article

Former pupil opens school’s new art studio which was built by his family business

A former pupil at a Kettering school has officially opened its new art studio, a purpose-built timber building which was designed and built by his family-run business. David Scott, chairman of Scotts of Thrapston, attended St Peter’s School, in Headlands, Kettering from the age of four to eleven. David was delighted to be welcomed back to the independent co-educational day school, which he attended 70 years ago, to open its new building known as The Cedar Hub, which provides an art studio and after-school space. Scotts of Thrapston, specialists in the manufacture and installation of bespoke timber-framed buildings, was appointed as the Principal Designer and Main Contractor for the project. Mr Scott said: “We are always proud of the buildings that we create, but it certainly added an extra dimension to be able to open such a beautiful building in the very school where I spent so many happy years. “It was wonderful to see our building in situ and the reaction from the staff, parents and pupils was marvellous, they are all delighted with their new facility.” The carbon-efficient timber-framed building features an open plan design which allows plenty of natural light to flood in, creating the perfect space for teaching art and design technology. Features of the new building include solar panels, separate clean up areas for art activities and internal glazed screen partitions, which are used to divide the internal space but also maintain an open plan feel. Ali Hurst, Bursar at St Peter’s School, said: “Both staff and pupils are thrilled by the new Cedar Hub as it provides a creative and stimulating environment for art and design projects. “Scotts has a pedigree in bespoke timber-framed buildings which made them our preferred choice. They have worked flexibly to deliver a design solution which enhances our school and blends the new building perfectly within the boundary of our listed school grounds.” Building work on the 140m² building and external canopies lasted 20 weeks. Scotts’ in-house architect, Bryn Lee said: “We worked closely with the school to meet their brief, as sustainability and appearance were important. “We had to work within a restricted time frame during the school holidays. However, our turnkey approach, in which we design, manufacture, engineer and install the building, meant that we could tailor the build programme to suit.” Scotts of Thrapston has been manufacturing and distributing high quality timber products for 99 years and has been constructing bespoke award-winning educational buildings for many years

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