Darlington Campus Building
Location : Darlington, County Durham
Sectors: Education
Will Mawson Designer at Napper Architects

The brief from Teesside University was to provide them an iconic teaching facility to be the catalyst of their new campus. The 4000sqm building has a strong public presence being located adjacent to the east coast mainline; the University were acutely aware the importance of this vista and wanted an advert for their institution.

With the historical context of the railways previously on the site, visually strong straight lines have been employed to create a striking building. The service spine down the centre organises and separates the building into its two different facades. Splashes of bold colour have been incorporated against the backdrop of understated solid materials which gives the monumental rigidity a playful edge. The concept design has been well received by the people of Darlington and is now a new landmark on the horizon.

Studio and Acoustic Works
Location : Various
Sectors: Commercial, Education, Specialist acoustic

We are working on a number of recording studio’s and acoustically enhanced performance spaces nationwide. Through a strong working relationship with acoustic specialists we are delivering various projects for schools, large companies and private clients.

There is a keen attention to technical detail required to create successful ambience. Our approach marries the physics of sound with an uncomplicated aesthetical approach which is being well received in this specialist field.

Creative and Media Centre
Location : Tynedale Valley, Northumberland
Sectors: Education, Commercial
Dan Kerr Project Architect at Napper Architects

The Creative & Media Centre provides world class facilities equipped with cross platform community media production resources for students and the wider community. Working with Tyndale Virtual College, and Northumberland County Council to successfully secure DCSF funding as part of the Exemplar Building Programme it is one of only 15 centres in the country.

The facilities which wrap around a double height atrium space include TV, Radio and Recording Studios, Performance Areas, Design Studios and a Cyber Café as well as facilities for starter businesses in the media industry.

Location : Various, North East
Sectors: Education, Community

We have untaken a number of school refurbishments, starting at Napper Architects and continuing this work at MawsonKerr. As funding streams are limited we develop cost efficient solutions with a design led approach involving all stakeholders through the process.

We have developed strong links with schools in the region initially working in the Creative Partnership Programme and continuing this work to engage the schools and their students in their built environment using the remodelling and refurbishment of the school as a teaching tool to develop greater understanding of issues such as sustainability and energy conservation.

Bridgewater Early Years Centre
Location : West Newcastle
Sectors: Education, Community
Dan Kerr Project Architect at Napper Architects

Bridgewater Early Years Centre provides integrated primary, nursery and childcare facilities for 150 children 0-5 years old. The centre, which is part of the initial regeneration of the West end of Newcastle, was developed through continual consultation with the stakeholder groups. The building maximises the views to the South of the site, creates a new ‘face’ to the existing school and works with the sloping site to create a community building which has been recognised by the Landmark Awards.

The Theatre Royal
Location : Newcastle
Sectors: Civic, Heritage, Leisure
Will Mawson Project Architect at Napper Architects

The £7.2million refurbishment project at the Theatre Royal required painstaking detail and effort from all involved to ensure the results were fitting for this Iconic building. Working as project architect on this historical grade I listed building was a great privilege and the award winning finished building is proof of the effort.

Included in the three phases of work were a new education theatre, a restaurant, corporate facilities, offices, disabled access throughout and extensive works to the fly tower and stage area to bring the theatre into the 21st Century.