Southwark Free School
Southwark Free School
Progressive primary school with nursery is integrated into a 158-unit residential development on Rotherhithe New Road. The design is the culmination of a 6-year journey in which IA have supported the school Trust with feasibility studies and planning submissions before the Bermondsey site became the preferred option. On a constrained site the design creates break-out spaces in the circulation and orientates the more sensitive teaching spaces away from the noisy road. Covered external spaces are linked with classrooms to maximise the value of square metres available and a double-height hall will make an impressive multi-use space.
Careful consideration is given to the integration of structure and spaces in a complex building that requires the integration of the residential units above into the plan for the School. Storage and service spaces are used to maintain a regularity to the classrooms and children's coats are co-ordinated in an innovative two-tier arrangement.
Project Information
Southwark Primary Free School, Bermondsey, South London
New Primary School
Value: £3m / Client: MACE & Southwark Primary Free School Trust / Programme: Opening September 2016 / Architect's Role: Full Service as Lead Designer for fit-out works
