Completion 42 copy

Completion 59-blue copy

Completion 1

Completion 65 copy

The Client Brief

The client appointed us as Executive architects to oversee the construction of this design & build project, including obtaining building control approval, fire safety and resolving party wall matters.

The new building was conceived to be inclusive and accessible to all as well as fully compliant with CS4 (Code for sustainable homes).

The main features of the new buildings are:

  • New Staff room located at ground floor and overlooking the field and Year 2 play area
  • New Library, learning support department and the ICT department were located a First Floor
  • New Art/DT departments located at Lower ground.
  • New platform lift, large rooflights over the main roof and over the basement roof were also installed.

The Challenge

The proposed new building replaces an old building on a very steep sloping site adjoining a neighbouring property and a wooded area of the school ground.

Demolition and construction of the new Lower Ground floor represented a big challenge both in terms of safety, construction details for both foundations & waterproofing and as well as logistic.

New landscaped external play areas as well as external steps and timber deck areas were developed to complement the building.

What we did

We developed, together with the appointed building contractor all the construction drawings, detail drawings and specification as well as the interior fit out drawings of all the new elements of this projects.

End result

The site constrain and the lower ground floor provided not only a constructional challenge but also an opportunity to develop a novel way of connecting with the upper floors.

A new staircase conceived with very large sweeping steps double up as an Auditorium space and as a flexible space that can accommodate several functions.

The cedar clad envelop together with areas of white render and green living walls gave the building a natural and reassuring feel and pleasure to live in.

The client priority to complete the project in time for the start of the new academic year was fulfilled and was very pleased with the end product.