The project was extremely complex due to the site constraints and the phasing strategy of phased demolition and construction, to keep the existing school in operation throughout the works. Through careful analysis, it was concluded that due to the existing site parameters and a desire to limit the impact on the existing school and community, the most suitable build solution was to use off site construction.
Tufnell Park is our first fully off-site construction building and we challenge anyone to guess that it is in fact a modular building. The modules were delivered and installed within 5.5 weeks and the three-story building was watertight with the majority of internal finishes complete in less than 1.5 months. We worked closely and collaboratively with the key stakeholders to develop the brief and building design, culminating in an educationally rich environment. Furthermore, we worked closely with the off-site construction building specialist contractor to fine-tune, co-ordinate and deliver a new school that meets DfE affordability requirements and Building Bulletin standards.
The new building now gives the school a rich visual and civic presence. The brickwork façade incorporates concrete banding details, large windows and laser-cut fretwork screens. The bespoke laser cut screens were inspired by the Victorian stucco detailing of the neighbouring buildings. Whilst the old school sat in the bowl of the site and had limited street presence, the new building has addressed this through its position and massing, and now feels very much part of the community. The school has achieved BREEAM Excellent.
Photography by Simon Kennedy.
Watch the time lapse video…
