New build 2FE school built on the site of the original Victorian school, the school has increased in size from 1FE to 2FE through the use of a robust design methodology that incorporates ‘playdecks’, providing external playspace on four levels of the building. Situated in one of the most deprived boroughs in London, a key aspect of the brief was to strengthen the identity of the school within the local community and provide long-term benefits to the local area.
A passive stack ventilation and high thermal mass with night cooling technology was incorporated in the design. CO2 sensors operating louvres provide ventilation during the day. In summer the system works to purge the building of heat during the night using the cool outdoor air. The building incorporates sustainable features including green roofs, grey water recycling, and high levels of insulation. Renewables include solar thermal tubes and photovoltaic panels which generate electricity cutting emissions by an estimated 10%. As a result, the building is BREEAM rated ‘Very Good’. A wind turbine has also been incorporated for educational purposes, being used to educate pupils on the benefits of renewable energy to the school and their environment.
