The John Turner building has become, since its inception and creation in September 2014, the heart of the College. Not only are the state-of-the-art resources much-loved by pupils, but the Lecture Theatre has provided a home for visiting speakers and lecturers, music concerts and presentations. There is no doubt that the John Turner building is a hive of activity round the clock, and provides the perfect complement to the surrounding buildings. The building was recently shortlisted for prestigious local architecture award, the Chiltern Building Design Awards, and has just been awarded ‘Commended’.
The Chilterns Conservation Board and Chiltern Society run an annual Buildings Design Awards competition to encourage and recognise new buildings in and around the Chilterns which made a special effort to reflect and complement the nationally-protected landscape in which they sit; the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Consistent use of local materials has created the special and distinctive character of buildings in this area, and it is clear that the design of the John Turner is in-keeping with this. Entries come from architects, builders, planners and members of the public, and the John Turner building was up against some tough competition!
Judges were looking for the way buildings contributed to the local distinctiveness of the Chilterns, how they relate to their surroundings, and the use of suitable materials, amongst other criteria. A team of nine independent judges visited all eight of the short-listed sites on one day in early May, to assess how the external designs worked within their surroundings. The visit to Shiplake included a tour inside the John Turner building; feedback from the judges included how they were impressed with the way the building sat within its setting, the landscaping and the intricate details, and strong eco credentials, which really set it apart from competition. There were eight shortlisted buildings in total, with one overall winner, a Highly Commended and two 'Commended’; the John Turner building was one of these. The ukulele players did the trick in the Lecture Theatre, and the judges liked to see the building in use!
Headmaster Mr Gregg Davies was delighted with the award, and commented: ‘We are absolutely thrilled that the John Turner building has been awarded ‘Commended’ in the Chilterns Buildings Design Awards 2017 and our thanks and congratulations to its architects Nichols Brown Webber. Whilst the exterior design reflects that of the listed building ‘Skipwith’ located nearby, with matching diamond ‘diaper’ patterns in the brickwork, the interior was a departure from the norm for us, as we encapsulated the innovation and individuality that reflects Shiplake’s forward-thinking attitude to teaching and learning. Nichols Brown Webber have worked with Shiplake College for over 33 years and as a result the whole site has been sensitively and creatively designed so that new developments such as the John Turner Building sit carefully alongside the original Victorian buildings. The judges were impressed by the way the building harmonises with earlier buildings on the site, the enhancement achieved in replacing the previous art block, use of quality materials, excellent landscaping and strong Eco-credentials. The John Turner Building is now in the heart of the College; flooded with natural light, with state-of-the-art facilities and is, at any time of day, a hive of activity, individual study and collaborative learning.’