WaterSHED at Wardle Academy shortlisted for architecture award

The WaterSHED at Wardle Academy has been shortlisted for the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) North West Awards 2024. 

One of 13 projects shortlisted, the WaterSHED, by interdisciplinary design consultancy BDP, is the only development in the Rochdale borough to reach the finals.

The WaterSHED redevelopment transformed an underutilised and dated school sports hall into a suite of classrooms, dining and social spaces.

The project came to meet an “urgent” demand for school places and accommodate more teaching and associate staff jobs.

Existing structure was retained and improved using natural materials – such as locally sourced natural sheep’s wool insulation – whilst low energy lighting, heating and ventilation systems were installed, allowing for the creation of two ‘flexible’ classrooms, a design technology studio and a café area.

The central ‘learning steps’ staircase with integrated seating leads to a refurbished mezzanine level, providing further space for dining and audience seating.

A spokesperson for the Watergrove Trust said: We are incredibly proud that the WaterSHED building over at Wardle Academy has been nominated for yet another prestigious award. 

"Back in 2022, The WaterSHED won the FX Design and the Journal AJ Architecture award, and the building continues to provide an outstanding teaching and learning space, as well as a lovely place for students to enjoy their lunch." 

 

 

Sue Emms, principal, BDP, said: “Wardle Academy’s new school building is showing how innovative design can create the healthiest, most sustainable and socially valuable school buildings in the country.

“This is a truly imaginative reuse of an old school building that would have otherwise been demolished. It provides a vital, modern school facility for self-directed learning and cohesive teaching practices that support good behaviour and reduce truancy.

 “It feels like a great place to be, a great place to learn and gives all the pupils something to be proud of.”

Last year, the WaterSHED won the best school building at the AJ Architecture awards and it was named by the Royal Institute of British Architects as one of the 10 best new buildings in the North West.

All projects shortlisted for RIBA Regional Awards will be visited by a regional jury, and the winning projects will be announced later this spring.  

The winners will then be considered for several RIBA Special Awards, including the RIBA Sustainability Award and RIBA Building of the Year, before being considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award, which will be announced in summer.  

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize – the UK’s best new building – will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects, and announced in September. The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.