Clifton College, Bristol – Design & Construction of the New Prep School Day House

Construction Value £2.3m

Kitto Construction was appointed by Clifton College to construct a new building at the corner of The Avenue and Guthrie Road in Clifton, Bristol.  The completed scheme provided day accommodation houses in separate sections for 30 girls and 30 boys as well as teaching facilities for Clifton College Preparatory School.

The development replaces two 1970’s houses and was designed in consultation with the local community to complement other buildings in this Conservation Area with due care to preserve existing trees, pedestrian and vehicular access.

Clifton College The Avenue Pre Day School
Clifton College The Avenue Pre Day School
A typical classroom within the building
Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society 2014 Award for Excellence
Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society 2014 Award for Excellence

The completed building combines the appearance of a classic Clifton villa with its use of natural materials including Pennant and Bath stone façades under a slate roof, together with the benefits of energy-saving and green technologies.

The new four storey building provides a semi-basement for utilities and changing facilities with two floors for sitting rooms, studies and games rooms. The top floor is open plan for a large air conditioned drama studio with sprung beech flooring, stage lighting, audio and theatre facilities. All floors are fully accessible for the disabled and provision has been made for access to the Drama Studio for Early Years.

Kitto project-managed the design stage including the planning process and local consultations. The negotiated design and construction contract commenced in July 2011 and the new building was completed and fitted-out ready for the start of the academic year in September 2012.

This is the fifth major project undertaken for Clifton College by the Kitto Team with all completed to exceptional standards, to budget and on time.

The new building was also awarded a plaque for excellence in architecture and construction from the Clifton and Hotwells Civic Society (CHIS); the first award ever given by them for a new building in Clifton.