Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls is a leading independent school in Monmouth, Wales. We were appointed to create a new boarding house at the heart of the estate that responded to the historic context of the site whilst providing contemporary accommodation for the school's sixth form students and tutors.
The new boarding house comprises 45 en-suite single study bedrooms for students across three storeys, as well as two self-contained flats for tutors. Also provided within the scheme are a new entrance foyer and reception, a common room, and kitchenettes on each floor of the building.
A new pedestrian courtyard sits at the heart of the scheme and creates opportunities for interaction, whilst also connecting the new boarding house to the school's swimming pool, sports hall, and new performing arts centre.
The design of the boarding house takes precedent from the school's main listed building, which is referenced in the dormers and gables as well as in the chosen material palette of buff brick and both red and yellow sandstone.
The resulting aesthetic allows the boarding house to sit sensitively within its historic context, whilst also being read as a new, distinct accommodation building.
Image credits
© Tom Scott
Chris Whelan
Chris works across various sectors within the practice and brings an exceptional eye for detail and creative solutions to all.
With over 25 years of experience as a qualified architect, Chris’ extensive experience includes architectural designs for some of the country’s leading independent schools, residential schemes, masterplanning exercises, and various community, sports and leisure projects.
Ben Tabiner
Ben is an associate director at Buttress who is experienced in the design and delivery of projects across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial and education.