Haptic Architects has received planning approval to construct a new co-educational boarding house for Reddam House school in Wokingham, Berkshire. The modern facility will accommodate up to 100 students and represents the first phase of a comprehensive two-phase development project that will also include renovating an existing accommodation building and creating a new residential courtyard.
The new boarding house will be built on the school's expansive 50-hectare woodland campus, which features historic buildings including a Victorian mansion house designed by renowned architect Robert Kerr and a Grade II-listed Jacobean-style school house. Haptic Architects drew inspiration from these existing structures when designing the new facility, creating a facade that reflects the rhythmic window patterns found in the historic architecture. The architects also selected materials that complement the estate's existing palette of red brick, stone, and wood elements.
The three-story boarding house will contain 48 en-suite twin rooms designed to provide comfortable living spaces for students, along with dedicated staff housing and both internal and external amenity areas. The building's site plan was carefully designed to preserve several protected trees on the property, with a particularly impressive 22-meter-tall atlas cedar tree serving as a focal point on the building's western facade. This thoughtful approach to landscape preservation demonstrates the architects' commitment to integrating the new structure harmoniously with the natural environment.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are central to the project's design philosophy. The development will plant 173 new trees to replace the 14 trees that must be removed during construction, resulting in a significant net gain in green coverage. The project is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, which represents one of the highest standards for sustainable building design. The architects are implementing a low-carbon approach throughout the construction process, incorporating high-performance facade systems and selecting materials based on their carbon footprint to create an environmentally responsible structure.
The development addresses the school's growing enrollment needs by replacing outdated facilities. Drake House, an existing boarding facility, was deemed too obsolete to accommodate future growth in its current condition. However, the building will continue to house students during the construction of the new facility and will subsequently be completely remodeled as part of the project's second phase, ensuring no disruption to student housing during the transition period.
The planning application received official approval on July 3rd, allowing the project to move forward with construction. This approval represents a significant milestone for Reddam House school's expansion plans and demonstrates the local planning authority's confidence in Haptic Architects' design approach, which successfully balances modern educational needs with respect for the site's historic character and natural environment.
