Meet the Team
We will be hosting an online Q&A style interview on our website. These interviews are designed to showcase the expertise of our partners and contractors behind the build project and bring to life the team behind the build project.
The inaugural “Meet the Team” Q&A features the talented architects from Quattro, the creative minds behind the conceptual design and visual structure of the project currently taking shape. Throughout the development process, the team has navigated a range of natural and historical considerations, ensuring that these essential elements have been seamlessly integrated into the design. Their expertise has been instrumental in transforming complex ideas into a cohesive vision, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the team to bring the project to life. Now, let’s take a closer look at the individuals behind this remarkable work.
Could you introduce us to the team responsible for the Prep School design and the experts bringing this vision to life.
Our Quattro Architect team consists of Senior Associate Architect, Joyce Clifford who is responsible for the design concept. Jonathan Parker is our Associate Architect; he is the project architect and oversees the day to day running of the project, and Ankitha Dev is Part 2 Architectural Assistant and support, she is also involved in creating 3D visualisations.
Can you tell us about the vision behind the new Prep School buildings?
The vision behind the new Prep School buildings is aimed to respect and respond to the remarkable Westonbirt Estate, creating a cohesive and dynamic complex of buildings that will give the Prep School a fresh and enhanced identity. Our design blends the contemporary new buildings with the historic ‘Querns’ building, forming a new central space and fantastic improved facilities for children, staff and parents.
The Westonbirt estate is such a stunning setting. How did you make sure the new buildings blend seamlessly with the existing Grade 1 parkland and Westonbirt House, while also reflecting the school’s commitment to heritage and the environment?
Walking through Westonbirt, I was struck by the inspiring feel of the existing Grade 1 parkland and house, which is reflected in the Masterplan. Incorporating the key elements into the design, you can see that inspiration through the location of the buildings, the scale and massing of the two new blocks, as well as the choice of materials and colours, and the rhythm of the elevations, which reflect the existing Querns building.
What measures have been taken to protect and enhance biodiversity on the site?
From the outset we have worked closely with the ecologist, arboriculturist, and landscape architect to fully understand the importance of the site’s biodiversity and the wider landscape.
The Lucombe Oak tree is magnificent, and this designed provides an improved setting for it by removing the former maintenance building and rethinking the parking layout. The Lucombe Oak is a key feature of the design, and we will ensure it is carefully protected throughout the construction process.
Before construction began we installed a Great Crested Newt barrier to prevent the newts from entering the site. Additionally, the established bat routes have been carefully considered, and new planting has been designed to provide additional routeways, along with low-level lighting installations. Lastly, all new planting will consist of native species.
The main house build by Robert Holford in 1863 was considered to be advanced of its time – what innovative design or sustainability factors have been incorporated into the new buildings.
We’ve made sure to continue the focus on sustainability across campus in this build. We’ve chosen contemporary materials with low embodied carbon, designed for longevity, and that can be reused or recycled at the end of their life. For example, some components, like the roof, use recycled materials. We’ve also adopted a fabric-first approach, ensuring high levels of thermal insulation. Solar panels will be installed on the south-facing roofs, and we’ll use air source heat pumps powered by clean, renewable energy. All classrooms will be naturally ventilated and will have good daylighting, which means the school will need to rely less on electricity.
How did you balance modern educational needs with the historical and natural aspects of the site?
The form and location of the new buildings came from an appreciation of the historic setting of the Prep School.
In terms of educational needs, flexibility was key. Spaces need to adapt as the requirements of the school change over time. For instance, the hall is versatile, serving as a performance, dining, and assembly space. Classrooms are designed with regular shapes, allowing for various layouts to suit different uses.
A strong relationship with the outdoors was also crucial. For the Early Years classrooms, a safe, accessible external play area was essential, while a playground for the rest of the Prep School pupils is enclosed by buildings. The importance of outdoor spaces for both teaching and recreation drove the design, with careful consideration of practicality, such as muddy shoes and wellies.
The design also incorporates Biophilic principles, which aim to enhance learning and wellbeing. Large windows are positioned to offer children views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the connection with nature and improving the overall learning environment.
What feedback have you received from the school community about the new buildings?
Overall, the response has been very positive! There’s a real sense of excitement and eagerness to use the new building.
Early on, we spent a day at the Prep School to meet the staff and children, getting a feel for how the school operates on the ground.
We also ran a school model building workshop with the children. It was great fun for us, and hopefully for them too. It gave us valuable insights into what the children felt was important to the design of the new buildings.
What features of the new buildings do you think will have the most significant impact on the pupils’ learning experience?
I think the biggest impact is on wellbeing and community. The quality of the spaces with excellent daylight, natural ventilation, and larger rooms, all contribute to an improved learning environment for everyone. These buildings will also create a new heart of the Prep School community. The new facilities will also benefit the arts, with a large hall, as well as improved dining and servery arrangements, creating a better social environment for all.
The new Prep School classrooms will be decorated following pioneering Biophilic design principles – can you explain the concept of biophilic design and how it will be applied in the structural design and interiors?
Biophilic design is all about connecting people with nature through the built environment, and we’ve really focused on bringing that into the prep build in a number of ways. For example, we’ve made sure there’s plenty of natural daylight, ventilation, and views into the surrounding landscape to create a strong link with nature. On the outside, we’ve designed the landscape with natural shapes and forms, using soft edges and curves that help the building blend into the historic setting.
We’ve chosen materials that complement the existing Querns. The new buildings form a complete courtyard with a central focal point, which helps create a clear hierarchy of spaces. The design also makes the most of light and space – the narrow proportions and dual-aspect classrooms mean they get sunlight throughout the day.
In the hall and first-floor classrooms, the vaulted spaces add volume and a sense of openness, and we’ve ensured the acoustics are just right for a comfortable learning environment. The design really strengthens the connection between the new buildings, the existing ones, and the wider Westonbirt landscape. Views of the Senior School and Nursery help integrate the prep school within the wider school estate.
Finally, we’ve thought about how the space can nurture natural human behaviours – we’ve created a safe courtyard for play, with a separate Early Years play area that allows free flow from the Reception classrooms. There are plenty of external doors and staircases to give easy access to the landscape from all classrooms, and the windows are positioned so the children can enjoy views from their desks.
How will the new development improve the school experience for parents and visitors?
The new development will really improve the experience for everyone – parents, visitors, children, and staff alike. The prep school will have a stronger presence on the Westonbirt Estate, with a more prominent and welcoming main entrance that’s easy to spot from the drive through the estate.
The Prep School office and meeting rooms will be much easier to access, and the new prep hall, which will be perfect for performances, is conveniently located just off the new courtyard.
Plus, the new buildings will be fully accessible, with a lift in the classroom block to make getting around even easier.
Take a look at the latest progress on site here.