Academy School, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (2009)

Top marks for cast stone

Cast stone is proving itself a material of choice for the new generation of schools.  UKCSA member Forticrete supplied special curved ashlar blocks and bespoke lintels for the imposing main entrance to the Newcastle Excelsior Academy.

Forticrete’s cast stone ashlar masonry was specified as an attractive and durable alternative to natural stone, which was considered too expensive for solid masonry.  A palette of 3 shades – Bath, Portland and Buff – form a subtle contrasting pattern in 3 course heights and 3 course lengths.

Designed by Howarth Litchfield Partnership and constructed by Surgo, the academy has been dubbed a ‘beacon of educational excellence for Newcastle’ and has places for 1800 students from the city’s West End.

The Newcastle Excelsior Academy is a joint initiative between the government’s Buildings Schools for the Future (BSF) and Academies programmes. The project was winner of the Construction Collaborative working award 2009.

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