This project is one of four school adaptations carried out for the London Borough of Newham working with framework contractor Morgan Sindall under a Design and Build form of contract, and working closely with the school and Newham officers. The existing kitchen and dining block, which was in very poor condition and inadequate size, and which did not use the external space efficiently, has been replaced with new facilities to support the school's recent expansion to 4FE, with a dining hall to seat four sittings of 210 children and a rooftop outdoor play, teaching and learning area.
An external structure of steel and glass wraps around the brick 'plinth' building, supporting an outside staircase which allows the rooftop deck to be used independently, and a canopy which shelters pupils' means of escape in the event of bad weather.
A central rooflight brings daylight to the heart of the deep plan, over the serving area. A long-span opening in the east wall allows the whole of the school-facing glazed elevation to be opened up in summer, connecting the external play space with the hall interior. The building can be used separately and securely by community groups should the school wish to do so. The new layout allows car parking to be maximised without taking additional space away from the external play and learning areas.
