Thomas Deacon Academy
The Thomas Deacon Academy opened in September 2007, welcoming 2,200 pupils into this inspiring facility. The academy amalgamated 3 schools; Deacons School, John Mansfield School and Herewood Community College.
The 'Jelly Baby' shaped academy presents a maze of footbridges, staircases, access desks and the open library, which is the focal point of the first floor. Free access and open study areas gives the academy a university atmosphere, with lectures, seminars and tutorials further pushing this feel.
The academy is split into 6 similar v-shaped wings, each housing 340 students. Classrooms are situated on the outer part of the wing to maximise the use of natural daylight and ventilation.
Transparency of view combined with open plan and cellular perimeter spaces are the essence of the design with durability of the hardware being uppermost in the Architect's brief. Sain stainless steel d line ironmongery was supplied to the main joinery and partition sub-contractors which should afford many years of maintenance free use.