UWC Atlantic College

UWC Atlantic College is located at St Donat’s Castle, South Wales, in a 12th-century castle with 122 acres of woodland and farmland, with its own valley and seafront. Students aged 16-19 travel from over 150 countries to live, study and learn together, pursuing the International Baccalaureate and an outdoor-orientated experiential education.

As part of a 10-year programme of projects to improve their campus facilities, the college commissioned us to design two new accommodation blocks that will accommodate 96 students (48 in each block) and 2 houseparent flats. The new buildings each comprise 12 (4-person) dormitory-style bedrooms, shared bathroom facilities, communal study rooms, and social and recreation areas.

The college was keen to create an environment that promotes inclusivity and community while allowing for individual privacy. The shared dormitory-style bedrooms and bathrooms enable students from different backgrounds, nationalities, and religions to work and rest together and share day-to-day activities. A combination of communal areas accommodates both quiet activities and group interaction.

The acute sensitivities of this unique setting demanded a meticulously considered design approach to justify the proposals, including the presentation of an Historic Impact Assessment to Cadw during the planning process. The design narrative needed to show a level of deference to convince the local authority to support proposals within the Grade I Registered Historic Park and Garden.

The form and scale of the new buildings are based on the traditional Welsh longhouse but are more contemporary in terms of material finishes and detailing. Large areas of glazing maximise natural daylight to the internal spaces, particularly the shared day rooms, and promote views across the historic landscape.

A simple combination of zinc, dark brick and cementitious cladding creates an unassuming yet tasteful appearance that respects and reflects the sites’ very special context. The new buildings will serve as a benchmark for future development in terms of the quality of architecture and the experience that students and staff at the college can expect.