Haverstock

The project rationalizes existing facilities and creates new clusters for general teaching, each with central hub spaces and direct access to the outside. The new school design provides 22 new teaching spaces including provision of post 16 facilities, and a hydrotherapy pool, together with refurbishment of all existing spaces. The design uses low embodied energy principles including timber construction together with the specially designed building shape which enhances natural ventilation and maximizes day lighting. The new teaching clusters are designed for different key stages and appear as fingers which protect the external courtyard spaces between them. The design includes the use of new and traditional materials in a contemporary form. The overall design strategy reflects a similar approach used on other Kent special schools designed by this practice.

Photography by Dennis Gilbert/View