Stowe School Masterplan
Stowe School commissioned a strategic masterplan in 2000 to provide a flexible 25 year development framework focusing on the School’s Academic Zone. The objective of the masterplan for this historic site is to determine a future development strategy for the school. The new buildings will compliment the old to form linked courtyard gardens as a focus for the new Education Zone in this unique setting. Dating from the 17th century Stowe House is a quintessential example of English architecture and landscape design incorporating the work of Vanbrugh, Gibbs, Kent, Adam, Bridgeman, Capability Brown, Soane, Clough Williams-Ellis and Lorimer.Client
Stowe School
Location
Buckinghamshire, UK
Size
3.7 hectares
Value
c.£22m
Dates
2000–2020
Running in parallel to the restoration of the Mansion and Gardens, the masterplan has remained a reference point for all stakeholders, and has seen seven major projects delivered, including new teaching facilities and boarding houses on a rolling programme.
The masterplan has continued to be a key resource in developing and delivering capital projects. Our team have continued a relationship with Stowe school, and have recently completed two new build boarding houses in September 2017 and 2018.
The Gardens at Stowe are on a vast scale, however the School’s development zone is restricted. Most projects at the School have an element of enabling and demolition to incorporate, within the heritage context of the Grade I Listed House and Gardens. The approach to siting new buildings is informed by the landscape, design intentions and thinking of the many generations that have contributed to the changing nature of the site.
Gavin Miller Project Director for Rick Mather Architects
Stowe School Programme
Phase 1 Queens House 2008
39 en-suite study bedrooms, common rooms and staff accommodation
Phase 2 Stanhope House 2009
39 study bedrooms with en-suites
common rooms, staff accommodation & external works
Phase 3 Stowe Art School 2010
Restoration of education spaces & External works
Phase 4 West House 2014
24 en-suite bedrooms, living facilities, common rooms and external works
Phase 5 Chapel Court 2016
30 study bedrooms, staff accommodation, living facilities, common rooms, and external works