From among hundreds of nominations, the Island Private School emerged a finalist at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards, held over November 6-8, 2024, recording a significant success.
The annual WAF is the largest event in the world dedicated to celebrating architectural excellence.
The Limassol school’s founder, Alexander Shkuratov, and Nyasa Beale, on behalf of the Scott Brownrigg design practice, presented the educational institution’s groundbreaking concept in Singapore.
World-renowned British architectural firm Scott Brownrigg designed the project, in collaboration with Cyprus-based practice PPA (Panos Panayiotou + Associates).
What the new innovative school includes:
The new education hub will operate as a nature-inspired campus for more than 2,200 students in pre-school, primary and secondary education.
It will provide modern boarding school facilities, along with extensive sports and state-of-the-art cultural facilities, for the benefit of both the school and the wider community.
The welcoming environment will meet the needs of pupils, parents, teachers, business people and the local community, fostering mutual support and co-operation.
The project aims to reinforce Cyprus’ remarkable position as a global hub for technology, innovation, progressive education, business and personal development.
“Island Private School provided an inspiring brief for a learning environment that would nurture global citizens with real connections to the natural world,” said Michael Olliff, Scott Brownrigg managing director. “The design responds to the diverse needs of the school community and its stunning hillside location, to create a unique education hub in the heart of a new neighbourhood.”
By blurring boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design promotes wellness and encourages exploration and discovery. The integration of green spaces unifies the scheme and helps preserve local ecosystems, making it a model for sustainable education.
“The new school campus will be an international, cutting-edge development designed to inspire creativity and innovation,” remarked the School’s Founder Shkuratov in turn. “Developed in collaboration with students, teachers, parents and the community, the space will support the unique needs of the International Baccalaureate, Waldorf and Montessori education programmes,” he continued. “Together, we have created an environment where the minds of young people can thrive, explore and lead in shaping the future.”
The project makes creative use of the dramatic 30-metre elevation change of the School’s location, with separate specialised areas and gathering spaces for different paedagogical approaches, including the Montessori, Waldorf and International Baccalaureate.
The unique concept of the vibrant, innovative “village” also promotes a safe, diverse and engaging environment for students of all ages, as well as teachers and specialists with different perspectives, and will be open for community events.
