Description
The complete project includes two six-storey residential blocks containing 52 apartments covering 6,000m2 on either side of the school.
The predominantly glass presence of the school is clearly visible from the Edgware Road approach, and it is quite unlike any of the surrounding buildings. The most striking feature is the stack of curved glazed play decks that provide tantalising glimpses into the school.
There are two symmetrical entrances with approach steps, signalled by two curved stair towers. The ground floor nursery play deck is set back from the street to facilitate the ramps and provides a sheltering overhang.
The 3,400m2 school is built on six storeys one of which is at lower ground level. Bridges link the open-air play decks across a small full height central atrium to an embracing masonry L-shaped wing. The atrium brings daylight into the heart of the plan and allows views down to the lower ground assembly hall and up to the tented roof above. There is a play deck to each classroom floor, and the 1.9m high toughened laminated glass balustrades allow uninterrupted views out.
The plan is very similar for the three main school floors with the two stair towers at the end of the L-shape holding the classrooms and in the case of the upper floors sandwiching a central library/resource room. Thus each floor functions totally independently, complete with its separate play area. The top floor has a technology room and garden partially covered by a tensile fabric tent roof. The lower ground level houses the hall/gym/dining space, the chapel/music room, changing facilities and the school kitchen. Immediately outside the hall is a covered area that spills onto an external games area.
