Architecture firm Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt has successfully completed a new Creative Arts Centre for Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, marking another significant milestone in the prestigious institution's ongoing campus transformation. The project involved reconfiguring, upgrading, and extending an existing studio building originally designed by James Dartford in 1957, creating a modern facility that bridges the gap between the campus's historic Gothic architecture and mid-century modernist design elements.

The centerpiece of the project is a striking 550-square-meter extension featuring a façade of vertical clay profiled tiles that serves as both a contemporary design statement and a respectful nod to the school's architectural heritage. This innovative exterior screen directly references the historic clay tile banding found on heritage building roofs throughout the campus. The design successfully negotiates the visual transition between different architectural eras while maintaining the campus's cohesive aesthetic character.

The comprehensive renovation connects three distinct structures housing the art, design, and technology departments through a new glazed link that functions as a central hub. This connecting space features a shared entrance, dedicated gallery areas, and opens onto a newly landscaped external courtyard. The facility is specifically designed to accommodate diverse teaching methods and activities, ranging from collaborative studio work and specialized workshops to informal seminars and student exhibitions.

A key feature of the new center is its shared fabrication laboratory, which exemplifies the project's commitment to educational innovation by bringing together traditional craftsmanship techniques with cutting-edge digital technologies. The architects reimagined circulation spaces as additional gallery areas, providing students with expanded opportunities to showcase their creative work. At the heart of the entire scheme lies a versatile courtyard designed for outdoor learning, social interaction, reflection, and seasonal events.

Sustainability played a crucial role in the project's design philosophy, with the scheme engineered to achieve net-zero carbon emissions during operation. The building integrates passive environmental strategies alongside renewable energy technologies, including ground-source heat pumps and rooftop photovoltaic panels that provide both heating and cooling systems. Environmental performance data reveals impressive results, including 100% of floor area achieving a daylight factor of 2% or greater and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A.

The project represents part of Charterhouse School's broader campus modernization efforts. In 2019, Design Engine completed a £6 million science and mathematics center for the school, positioned near the northeastern edge of the campus's existing ensemble of Neo-Gothic buildings originally designed by Philip Charles Hardwick in the late 19th century.

Dominic Gaunt, director at Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, emphasized the project's educational mission, stating: "The design supports a wide range of learning styles and activities, from collaborative studio work and specialist workshops to informal seminars and student exhibitions. By creating spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity and flexibility, the building helps realize Charterhouse's ambition for a high-quality, cross-departmental, and future-focused campus."

Philip Grainge, director of finance and operations at Charterhouse School, praised the architectural firm's performance throughout the challenging project timeline. "It truly is a fantastic space with a new extension to our existing art studio, housing state-of-the-art design and sculpture suites," Grainge noted. "Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt designed the project and coordinated the design team through the difficult Covid period. They have delivered an exceptional building for our pupils and staff."

Construction began in July 2022 and reached completion in September 2024, with the project encompassing a total gross internal floor area of 2,500 square meters. The collaborative effort involved multiple specialists, including Elliott Wood as structural engineer, Introba as mechanical and electrical consultant, and Feltham Construction as the main contractor. The project utilized Revit CAD software and was executed under a JCT SBQ 2016 Traditional Contract, though construction costs were not disclosed.

The completed Creative Arts Centre represents a successful balance between heritage preservation and innovation, providing Charterhouse School with sustainable, flexible spaces designed to serve the educational community for generations to come. The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully integrate with historic campus environments while meeting modern educational and environmental standards.