The Science Centre is the final phase of the Uppingham School Western Quad master plan. The 45,000sqft ‘L’ shaped building comprises of three complementary volumes around a grassed quad, which physically and intellectually connects science with sport, art, and mathematics. The brief was to create a destination for top science teachers and pupils, put it on the radar of university departments and reach out to other schools. The ethos is to open up science to all, and facilitate links with other academic and extracurricular pursuits. The School reviewed their estate in 2004 and initiated a series of estate plans and feasibility studies. These were developed by Orms into a masterplan which was presented to the local planning authority in 2007. With the Science Centre and Western Quad abutting the conservation area the local authority was keen to see the final phase of the masterplan implemented upon completion of the Sports Centre in 2010. The planning authority was concerned with the height and massing of the building, use of materials and the overall site context. In response a three storey steel frame with precast concrete plank floors lab and classroom wing forms the western block of The Science Centre. It is clad in English cross bond brickwork panels that incorporate air intake and exhaust. The southern wing houses the public and school-life functions such as the lecture theatre, exhibition space, and the buttery and is clad in cast stone with Clipsham stone infills. The ‘Jewel Box’ sits on top of the southern wing and provides an outdoor teaching terrace, project rooms, an eco-lab and atrium. It is clad in anodised aluminium to complement the local ironstone colour and cantilevers over the entrance. The project was procured under a bespoke Design and Build Contract. The contractor was an integral part of the design from stage C to ensure cost certainty and buildability. The initial budget of £15M reflected a serviceable lifespan of 100 years, implementation in phases and providing future adaptability. The team realised a £1M saving by rationalising the atrium space, better construction techniques and simplifying detailing. The saving meant the building was delivered in one phase and the final cost of £14M included fitout, all furniture and external landscaping. The building includes all school (and community) spaces such the 220 person lecture theatre, exhibition space, research centre, and cafe. These spaces are crucial in encouraging students and teachers to engage with the building and science before, during, and after lessons. At the opening Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys FRS, proclaimed it as a ‘masterpiece of science and how it should look in the future’ and already more female students have chosen science and there has been a 30% uplift in applications to join the school.