“The Perfect Finish” for Richmond upon Thames College: A Modern Masterpiece in Twickenham”
In the west of Greater-London, in picturesque Twickenham, Sorba, with more than half a century of experience in high-quality facade and object cladding, has erected a new building for Richmond upon Thames College. This modern, versatile and socially engaged school building embodies perfection in finishing, thanks to Sorba’s expertise and commitment to “The Perfect Finish.”
A Modern Campus for Leading Education
Richmond upon Thames College’s campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, spaces for digital and graphic studies, a 160-seat auditorium and facilities for TV, drama, photography, dance and music. It also houses an art gallery where local artists and photographers can exhibit their work. The addition of meeting venues for local entrepreneurs underlines the college’s social role.
Architect: AtkinsRéalis
Contractor : ISG
Aluminium Composite Masterpiece
Sorba used precision and craftsmanship to provide the facade of this new college building with a sleek and modern design. The use of aluminium composite material Alpolic, with an anodised natural mill finish and coated Alpolic in a bronze colour, results in a striking façade with two colours. Despite the challenge of large panels on third-party steel frame construction, the finish is surprisingly sleek. The bronze-coated Alpolic around the top floor adds to the sophistication of the design.
Phases of Growth and Completion
Development of the nearly 9-hectare site began in 2018, with the first phase completed in 2020. Construction of the new school building was completed in the same year, with the first students moving in in March 2020. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2022, and its continuous evolution reflects the commitment to excellence.
“Project of the Year Award” – October 2021
In October 2021, Richmond upon Thames College received the prestigious “Project of the Year Award” from the Education Estates Awards. This recognition highlights the significant difference the college has made in the educational experiences and research opportunities of its students. An achievement that perfectly matches Sorba’s commitment to perfection.
Sorba’s bijzondere rol
Richmond upon Thames College, with its modern campus and perfectly finished facade, is writing a new chapter in architectural excellence. Guided by “The Perfect Finish”, Sorba has contributed to a masterpiece that not only defines buildings but will also characterise cities, streets and structures for decades to come. This project illustrates Sorba’s careful, sustainable choices to do justice to design and function, and shows that they don’t let go until it is truly finished.
Materials
Aluminium composite material (Alpolic) with a finish reAL anodised natural Mill for the facade cladding and coated aluminium for the watertops and reveals.
- Approx. 255 m¹ of watercourses and reveals.
- Approx. 3825 m² of aluminium composite material (Alpolic) facade cladding.
