Setting the standard for boarding in the 21st Century

Founded in 1885 as one of the first girls’ boarding schools in the country, Roedean provides an academic education for around 400 day, full and weekly boarding girls from 11 to 18 years.

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Roedean’s vision: ‘looking outward, aiming high’ is inspired by our stunning 45-acre setting to the east of Brighton and the extensive campus with spectacular views across the Sussex coastline and English Channel.

As part of the school’s ongoing vision and development, Roedean has embarked upon a £9 million modernisation of five boarding Houses. This will include the significant and sensitive redesign of 196 bedrooms, communal spaces and private study areas for both boarding and day girls.

The transformed accommodation will be homely, light and reflect the original Arts and Crafts heritage of Roedean. This extensive project is being managed by the award-winning architects BuckleyGrayYeoman with an anticipated completion date of summer 2013. As well as educational projects, the design team have refurbished boutique hotels in London, New York and Paris.

We trust that, as you read this brochure, you will share our enthusiasm for one of the most exciting boarding projects in independent education today.

Setting the standard for boarding in the 21st Century

Roedean was designed by the leading architect of the day – Sir John Simpson. He was a former Roedean parent who became President of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Sir John’s Grade II listed buildings characterise the classic ‘Arts and Crafts’ international design movement that flourished in the period from 1860 to 1910. The buildings he designed across the UK included museums, art galleries and the original Wembley Stadium, whose iconic twin towers he first designed for Roedean.

There are four identical boarding Houses which overlook the sea, forming a gateway to the school and will be the focus of the refurbishment.

At the same time, Lawrence House, with 61 bedrooms, three staff apartments and communal areas will also be restored to an exceptionally high standard.

Restoring the rich heritage of Roedean

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Established by three entrepreneurial sisters from London, Penelope, Dorothy and Millicent Lawrence chose Brighton to locate their new school because ‘the air is healthy…and it is where all schools succeed.’

Entrance Foyer Setting the tone for each House

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The Entrance foyer will set the tone of each boarding House and introduce a palette of House colours.

The floors will be stained timber, in keeping with the original Arts and Crafts design of the buildings. A number of soft furnishings will be introduced, including high level wallpaper, new upholstered window seating and a large woollen rug.

Redecorated walls will be adorned with artwork and wall lights to further personalise each House.

To complete the Entrance Foyers, each will be complemented with a mix of new and historic furniture, some items dating back to the time when the Houses were first opened.

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The refurbishment of the main Houses includes 116 single study bedrooms and 16 shared bedrooms, to create spaces which will be warm, light, full of character with plenty of storage.

Each room will feature a study desk with a lockable drawer and a comfortable chair with natural light from the window. There will also be a large full-height built in wardrobe, under bed sliding drawers and plenty of lighting options and electrical sockets.

Providing more than a place of sleep

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‘It will feel like a home, all cosy and modern at the same time. I can’t wait. When I need rest from my studies I shall be able to look out of the window from my desk across the sea. I am really looking forward to that.’

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Each room will be finished according to a palette of House colours. The subtle differences in colour and texture will support a strong sense of House pride while allowing the students to completely personalise their own space.

Warm wood tones and soft lighting will ensure that the bedrooms provide a ‘home away from home’ and a place where students will enjoy study, rest and play.

A home away from home

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New windows will be in keeping with the Arts and Crafts design.

The design of the new washrooms is inspired by a ‘boutique hotel’ approach. A level of detail will be introduced to these spaces in the form of tile-work, Silestone countertops, and homely yet durable bathroom-ware.

The washrooms will benefit from a large, bright changing area as well as private cubicles equipped with clothes hooks and changing benches. A generous vanity unit is provided in each washroom with counter-mounted basins and large individual mirrors. Each student will have access to a storage shelf and heated towel rails while using the washrooms.

The corridor walls will be redecorated in contemporary, yet warm tones, and be adorned with artwork produced by the students. New picture rails and dado rails mean that everyday necessities such as pin-boards can become part of the overall building design.

The corridor doors will be enhanced with timber panelling and antique brass ironmongery, both of which are inspired by the original 1890s design. New contemporary down-lights are to be provided to create a soft, relaxing environment for the students.

The washrooms and corridors

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The Drawing Rooms in each of the four Houses are large, well proportioned spaces with stunning sea views. They feature grand fireplaces and original detailing with exceptional natural light.

The refurbishment includes restoring and enhancing the original features to give each room its own individual character.

The Drawing Room Creating an inviting and welcoming space

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A large window seat will be created so that girls can sit and enjoy the coastal scenes. Or, they can sit in a reading ‘nook’ by the fireplace with a good book.

In an evening the girls can practise on the piano, read magazines, play games, or just catch up with friends after a busy day.

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The Hobbies and adjacent Terrace rooms will be refurbished to provide a space for games, crafts, socialising and watching television.

A large new glazed opening between the rooms will allow natural light into the space and for those sitting in the Hobbies room to enjoy the stunning sea views.

The original timber floorboards will be restored, and a large woollen rug provided to ensure the space is cosy and inviting. Artwork and redecorated walls will distinguish each House, and will be enhanced by a variety of upholstery and cushion fabrics.

Wall lights and traditional style ceiling pendants will create a homely backdrop and provide a flexible social space for the students.

Hobbies and Terrace Room A space for socialising

The Old Dining Rooms in each House are large, tall rooms with original fireplaces and good natural light from two directions.

These communal areas will be transformed with a substantial island unit for cooking classes and socialising, and a large table for social dining.

The ODR Creating a ‘heart’ in each House

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Another aspect is the informal seating around the restored fireplace. There will also be shelving for books, games and a sound system.

The rooms will be finished off with contemporary prints and pictures, enhanced by original style light fittings.

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‘The designs looking amazing. The new ODR will really bring the community together and will be a great place to talk with your friends and have fun. I’m looking forward to baking cakes together with everyone in the House.’

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‘It’s so nice and bright and modern, it actually makes you want to go in there and study. Doing your homework with friends will actually be really enjoyable.’

The prep rooms will be inspiring environments with new contemporary workstations, a personal desk lamp and integrated power for laptop use.

There will be under-desk storage for keeping books, files and stationery.

The bold use of colour and overhead pendant lights will ensure that it is a place where the girls want to be, and can focus on their studies.

The Prep Room Bringing an element of fun to the study areas

Looking outward aiming high

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Roedean is a place which nurtures and develops the potential of the whole person.

As well as superb teaching facilities, pupils can pursue their interests at the fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool, a large sports hall, dance and music studios, a 320 seat theatre and netball, squash and tennis courts.

Girls can enrich their lives with sports, music, dance, drama and a wealth of clubs and societies. At the same time, they balance these opportunities with a firm focus on academic studies, gaining places at leading universities.

At Roedean, full and weekly boarders come from across Sussex, the South East and London. Others travel thousands of miles from home to join our vibrant community.

Design and productionwww.ckdeducation.co.uk

Photographywww.larrybray.comwww.lucypope.com (p14)

With thanks to Clarissa Hulse, House 1, 1978-1986, for cushions (p7-9)

Roedean School

Roedean WayBrighton BN2 5RQ

+44 (0)1273 667500

Registered charity 307063www.roedean.co.uk

‘I’m really excited to see the refurbishment designs they look amazing – I want to become a boarder.’