An extraordinary educational resource architects, designers and engineers

A £5.9 million building project at a Buckinghamshire school has begun.

The state-of-the-art Design, Technology & Engineering (DTE) building, based on Stowe School’s historic campus, will include modern teaching spaces, studios, and workshops.

The structure itself will act as a learning tool with exposed beams, joints, and bolted connections replacing traditional internal finishes.

Colour-coded services will remain uncovered, letting students observe the maze of pipes within the walls and even into the plant room.

Working with architects Design Engine and key partner B&K Hybrid Solutions, the team will construct a timber frame using glulam and cross-laminated timber to keep material usage low and enable easy deconstruction if needed.

Work on the foundations is underway, including the installation of helical piles, with completion slated for next autumn.

Ensuring minimal disruption and safety, developer Beard has arranged outside heavy traffic periods delivery and is using a separate entrance for heavy cargo.

They are also planning talks and site visits for students to engage them in the project’s progression next year.

Head of Stowe School Dr Anthony Wallersteiner said:

“We are delighted to see Beard start work on the new Design, Technology & Engineering building.

“Nestled in the grounds of historic Stowe and in the shadow of Silverstone and the UK’s engineering heartland, the cutting-edge DT&E Centre will complement its surroundings, all while providing an extraordinary educational resource for our future architects, designers and engineers.

“We look forward to the project completing next autumn and working closely with Beard to share their insight and expertise throughout the build.”

Dean Averies, Beard director for Oxford, said:

“With our reputation in the education sector, Beard has had the privilege of being involved in a number of prestigious builds across the region.

“This innovative project is another fantastic example, and we’re incredibly proud to support Stowe School in delivering a state-of-the-art facility to truly bring these exciting subjects to life.

“Beard is well known for delivering ambitious buildings to a high standard of quality. This project is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate this and our commitment to prompt and faultless delivery. Not only is there nowhere to hide with many elements of the building remaining exposed, but the entire build and installation must be exemplary, to provide an educational tool and benchmark for students.”

Source: Bucks Free Press