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GEMS Wellington Academy

Facts

Location Client Cost Completion
Dubai GEMS Education £55m 2013

Project details

The complex contains three main school groups: foundation, primary and secondary, which are designed as schools within schools. These groups are set around the main shared spaces which comprise a 600 seat auditorium, administration elements and a spectacular dining area overlooking sports fields and a sports complex with two swimming pools, a gymnasium and training facilities.

The buildings are designed to reduce the solar gain of direct midday sunlight which can reach 50°C. They each look onto palm filled courtyards which bring light, fresh air and planting into the core building wings.

A series of fins set to the front helps to shade the buildings and are coloured in the seven sands of the Emirates.

This commission provides an exciting opportunity to create fantastic new facilities for this well established school

Wayne Head Project director

Brief

  • relocate a prestigious primary and secondary school
  • provide new facilities for 2,300 students

Results

  • a showcase school for the charitable organisation GEMS Education

Integrated services

architecture