The Elm Sports Centre, Simon Balle All-Through School

Location

Hertford

Main contractor

RG Carter Construction

Sub contractor

Vertec

Architects

Saunders Architects

Products

Anvil Metal Cladding Systems

Solus Brick Range

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Overview

The Elm Sports Centre at Simon Balle All-Through School is a brand-new, state of the art facility offering 700sqm of flexible space for students and the wider community. Designed by Saunders Architects, the building features striking metal cladding panels, some of which have been perforated with a bespoke woodland design that celebrates its surroundings.

Taylor Maxwell supplied Anvil metal cladding and Carsington Cream facing bricks from our solus range to the project, which was delivered by RG Carter Construction. The metal cladding installation was carried out by Vertec, whilst Anglian Brickwork laid the bricks.

Concept

Originally built in 1957, Simon Balle School sits on land gifted by the Balls Park Estate and borders a conservation area. This sensitive setting required the new sports facility to respond thoughtfully to its architectural context and the natural landscape. In addition to the new sports hall, the project included the construction of a welcoming new reception area to enhance security and improve access for students and visitors.

A detailed study of the surrounding area identified buff facing bricks as a key local feature, guiding their inclusion in the final design. To complement this traditional material palette, the architects sought a bold and contemporary element, a facade material that would both contrast and harmonise with its environment.

Anvil metal cladding was chosen for its versatility and ability to be perforated, enabling the design team to bring their vision to life. The bespoke woodland pattern perforated into the cladding panels pays homage to Balls Hill Grove, a historic woodland that has shaped the area’s character since the 1800s.

Completion

Completed in summer 2025, the new school building provides versatile facilities for a range of sports, including hockey, football, basketball and badminton. Alongside the sports hall, a new reception area has been created to safely welcome visitors and community users to the site outside of school hours.

Adding a personal touch to the project, the lead architect was a former Simon Balle student, making the development especially meaningful.

Since completion, the project has been shortlisted for a Brick Development Association (BDA) 2025 Brick Award in the Education category, recognising its wonderful design, as well as Anglian Brickwork being shortlisted in the ‘Specialist Brickwork Contractor’ award for their work on this excellent project.

To find out more about Anvil metal cladding, click here.

To find out more about our Solus brick range, click here.