A NEW WINCHESTER school which was inspired by traditional Hampshire rural designs of barns and farm structures has scooped a prestigious award in celebration of its 'excellent' design.

Barton Farm Primary Academy was handed the highly sought-after RIBA South 2022 Award for Hampshire County Council’s Property Services’ team, which includes recognition for the building’s eco-credentials. This is a regional award and the school is now in the running for a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award.

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The RIBA plaudit marks a series of recent architecture accolades for Barton Farm including a national Civic Trust Award 2022, a ‘highly commended’ in the SPACES awards and a shortlisting for an Architect’s Journal award in the Schools Category.

Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for commercial strategy, estates and property, said: “The County Council’s award-winning design team has once again gained recognition for their work to create excellent school buildings for Hampshire’s young people and teaching staff. Barton Farm Primary Academy is a spectacular, modern building constructed to meet high levels of design and environmental standards which helps address the challenge of climate change.”

Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “The creation of top-quality school environments helps teachers to foster learning and champion success for our young people whilst providing a distinctive quality of place and facilities that build strong local communities.”

Barton Farm Primary Academy is a new 420-place primary academy for children aged 4-11 in Winchester which is sponsored by the University of Winchester Academy Trust.

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Professor Sarah Greer, vice-chancellor of the University of Winchester, which sponsors the multi-Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted and proud that Barton Farm Academy has been recognised by RIBA with this award.

“These innovative Academy buildings, with their state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor learning environments, provide an inspirational setting for children which enhances the quality of their learning experience."

The school’s architecture takes inspiration from traditional Hampshire rural designs of barn and farm structures and has been conceived as a family of distinctive educational buildings grouped around a courtyard in a countryside setting. Barton Farm achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification demonstrating its high environmental, low energy and sustainability credentials.

The University’s flagship learning and teaching building, the West Downs Centre, also received a RIBA South Award 2022.

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