MCS delivered a flexible, state-of-the-art school theatre and drama facility, including a series of dedicated specialist teaching spaces at Luckley House School.

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Sited adjacent to a Grade II listed Edwardian house, which forms the core of the School, the blocks are all clad in timber boarding similar to two previous buildings on the site, but with distinctly different finish treatment to subtly distinguish each use.

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The location of the performing art building was chosen for its prominent position on the school site. The fully glazed foyer makes a bold statement on arrival, allowing views into the space, as well as great views out looking onto the historic house and picturesque woodland setting. 

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The building continues the School Estate’s material vernacular of timber cladding, but with a brick block housing the theatre. Inside, the main volume of the auditorium is clad in brickwork, of a neutral blend and colour, chosen to harmonise with the timber cladding under different types of light. This brick cube is also expressed internally in the foyer space.

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Today the new facility, named The Whitty Theatre, provides a 179-seat auditorium, dance and drama studio, workshop and an ancillary block containing offices, classrooms and back of house spaces.

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Following completion, The Whitty Theatre won the Architect’s Choice Award at the prestigious Brick Awards for the striking brick used called ‘Freshfield Lane Luckley House’, a bespoke mix developed after much careful research and consideration.

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The end result is a warm and intimate space that is loved and well used by both the school and the local community.