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Balcarras Music School

  • As part of RRA Architects’ ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, The Music School at Balcarras School was delivered through a close collaboration between the design team, consultants, contractors and the wider school community. The project transformed outdated teaching accommodation into a contemporary music facility providing inspiring spaces for teaching, rehearsal and performance within one of Cheltenham’s leading schools.
  • Status: Completed 2018
  • Location: Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
  • Value: Undisclosed
  • Contractor: Dowdeswell Estates Building Contractors
  • Structural Engineer: Hartfield Consultants
  • Photo Credit: Tom Hatcher and RRA Architects
  • Acoustic Engineer: Paragon Acoustics Consultants
  • M&E Consultant: Environmental Engineering Partnership
  • Categories: Education, Healthcare & Public Sector
  • Tags: Balcarras School, Cheltenham Architects, Cheltenham education project, Community Architecture, contemporary education architecture, CSR architecture project, education architecture, education sector architects, Gloucestershire Architects, modern school design, music school design, music teaching spaces, performing arts building, prefab construction, recital space design, RRA Architects, school architecture, School Extension, sustainable education buildings, teaching and learning spaces
Wide exterior view of Balcarras Music School showing a contemporary school building design Cheltenham project with landscaped setting and teaching accommodation.
Completed front elevation of Balcarras Music School, a school building design Cheltenham project featuring contemporary cladding, large glazed areas and vertical façade detailing.
Architectural corner detail of Balcarras Music School showing contemporary metal cladding, glazing and modern education design features.
Balcarras School branding and external architectural detailing on the contemporary Music School extension in Cheltenham.
The Music School signage mounted onto vertical timber cladding at Balcarras School in Cheltenham.
First floor landing within Balcarras Music School, part of a school building design Cheltenham project featuring full-height glazing and views across the campus.
Music rehearsal and teaching space at Balcarras Music School with instruments, large windows and natural daylight entering the contemporary interior.
Student performing on a grand piano inside the recital and teaching space at Balcarras Music School in Cheltenham.
Mark Powles from RRA Architects photographed with broadcaster Jo Whiley during the opening celebrations for Balcarras Music School.
Animated before and after comparison showing the transformation of the original Balcarras School building into a contemporary school building design Cheltenham project.
  • Wide exterior view of Balcarras Music School showing a contemporary school building design Cheltenham project with landscaped setting and teaching accommodation.
  • Completed front elevation of Balcarras Music School, a school building design Cheltenham project featuring contemporary cladding, large glazed areas and vertical façade detailing.
  • Architectural corner detail of Balcarras Music School showing contemporary metal cladding, glazing and modern education design features.
  • Balcarras School branding and external architectural detailing on the contemporary Music School extension in Cheltenham.
  • The Music School signage mounted onto vertical timber cladding at Balcarras School in Cheltenham.
  • First floor landing within Balcarras Music School, part of a school building design Cheltenham project featuring full-height glazing and views across the campus.
  • Music rehearsal and teaching space at Balcarras Music School with instruments, large windows and natural daylight entering the contemporary interior.
  • Student performing on a grand piano inside the recital and teaching space at Balcarras Music School in Cheltenham.
  • Mark Powles from RRA Architects photographed with broadcaster Jo Whiley during the opening celebrations for Balcarras Music School.
  • Animated before and after comparison showing the transformation of the original Balcarras School building into a contemporary school building design Cheltenham project.

Balcarras Music School, Cheltenham

Contemporary education architecture designed to inspire music, performance and learning.

The Music School is the result of a close working collaboration between RRA Architects, Balcarras School and Cheltenham-based construction firm Dowdeswell Estates. Designed as a dedicated education and performance facility, the scheme expanded the school’s existing music department to create modern teaching rooms, rehearsal spaces and recital accommodation that support both day-to-day learning and larger musical performances.

A key part of the design approach was to create a building that felt ambitious and inspiring while remaining achievable within a carefully managed budget. Simplicity in form was combined with subtle architectural detailing to give the building a strong identity and lasting presence within the school campus. The use of prefabricated construction methods allowed rapid on-site assembly, helping to minimise disruption to the school while delivering excellent value and build quality.

The project introduced a striking first floor extension above the existing accommodation, creating generous internal volumes filled with natural light. Large areas of glazing establish strong visual connections across the school grounds while helping to create uplifting learning environments for students and staff. Internally, the flexible layout allows spaces to operate for both teaching and recital functions, supporting a wide range of musical activities from individual practice to group performance.

The vertical rhythm of the façade was inspired by musical notation and repeating patterns, creating a contemporary architectural language that reflects the creativity and energy of the department itself. Throughout the day, changing light and shadow animate the building exterior, reinforcing the idea of rhythm and movement within the design.

The Music School also represents a strong community success story. Alongside fundraising efforts from pupils, teachers and parents, the project received significant support from local benefactor Julian Dunkerton. In keeping with the project’s educational and community focus, RRA Architects provided their services on a not-for-profit basis as part of their wider Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, helping the vision become a reality.

Project Highlights

  • Contemporary music school extension for Balcarras School, Cheltenham
  • Dedicated teaching, rehearsal and recital spaces
  • Education architecture delivered within a constrained budget
  • Prefabricated construction to accelerate programme delivery
  • Flexible performance and learning environments
  • CSR-led collaborative delivery approach
  • Strong community fundraising and local support
  • Modern façade inspired by musical rhythm and repetition

The completed building has created an inspiring environment for music education in Cheltenham, providing students with professional-quality facilities that encourage creativity, confidence and performance.