Ratoath College Extension

This is an excellent stand-alone extension to Ratoath College, an existing secondary school. The materials and windows of the new structure are a clever ‘inversion’ of the original building, designed by the same Architects, which allows for a separate identity yet also strongly relates back to the parent. Careful siting and building form has enhanced the existing landscaping by adding enclosure and definition to existing courtyard spaces. Clever rethinking of the direction of the roof spans has allowed for natural light to penetrate into the interior in varied and interesting ways. The utilisation of the social spaces has been maximised by intelligent planning and the use of well-positioned sliding doors. Internally the use of carefully-selected colour highlights throughout the internal circulation areas is a delight. Connection to the outside and enhanced attention to materials and details has been considered at every step.