The site for the new school extension is on a very steep gradient. The design responds to this with an elegant timber box, elevated on stilts, giving level access back to the existing school.
Continuous access from the classrooms to the outside space is achieved through a raised timber boardwalk on two sides of the building. A strong connection between inside and outside is created using large full height sliding doors, with a canopy on the south facade allowing for covered external play, as well as reducing solar gain.
Furthermore the boardwalk gives a level access route to the adjacent main playground. The roof is a green sedum roof to aid the sustainability of the building and give a desirable appearance from adjacent residential houses. The building is clad predominantly in natural timber and links to the existing school branding with coloured panels between full height glazing on the north facade, where the new building meets the existing.
Natural daylighting has been thoroughly consistent and utilised throughout the scheme. The building has been designed to achieve BREEAM very good through high performance standards to provide a comfortable and supportive learning environment.
Photography by Simon Kennedy
