Creative Centre, York St John's University | SIP Cladding Project

The Creative Centre at York St John University represents an evolutionary step in educational architecture, mirroring the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and community engagement.

By integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies and materials, the centre not only minimizes its environmental impact but also serves as an inspiring example of how modern design can contribute to the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants.

The facility’s versatile spaces encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students and faculty to explore new frontiers in arts and education. This architectural gem not only enhances the university’s landscape but also strengthens its ties with the local community, inviting public participation in a range of cultural and educational events.

As a symbol of York St John University’s forward-thinking ethos, the Creative Centre is poised to shape the future of creative education, making it a cornerstone of both the university and the wider society.

Three main concepts formed the foundation of the design approach. First, it is a genuinely sustainable building, both in operational and embodied carbon terms, with a substantial timber frame and simple climate control. Second, the main atrium space unites all the building elements together, reflecting the latest thinking in higher education to create ‘third spaces’ for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Finally, the Centre makes the most of its proximity to York Minster connecting the University to the heritage of the surrounding city. Throughout the atrium, recital hall and critical listening room, views to the Minster are carefully framed, reinforcing this picturesque view across the stunning historic site.

Low embodied carbon materials, such as glulam and CLT and SIPS were used for the construction of the Centre, as part of a ‘fabric-first’ approach using Passivhaus principles to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Working alongside environmental design consultant Atelier Ten, the project’s eco credentials were achieved by using triple-glazing, making the building air tight, providing simple operation systems – such as openable windows – and a mixed mode ventilation system with both mechanical and natural ventilation in teaching rooms.

The building is extremely functional and flexible, for example the 2,000m2 of teaching space are column-free internally with modular servicing to allow easy re-configuration in the future should the university’s requirements change.

The 180 capacity auditorium was designed with SSV Theatre Consultants to facilitate teaching as well as performances, with a level access technical level. And the building connects to the natural environment through its use of natural materials and integration with a campus wide landscape masterplan.