New Extension to Primary School, Crumlin

The former playground now reduced in size is enclosed by the new and old buildings on three sides, the fourth side, to the west, is lined with existing mature sycamore and horse chestnut trees. The sense that the new part of the school should have something of a civic presence in the local community and the presence of mature trees were important factors in the making of the plan. The new classrooms are located on the upper two storeys with a south facing orientation and the circulation and archive act as a buffer to the noisy and harsh environment of the street. The civicscale spaces immediately behind the street facade include the hall or meeting area, the library and the staff and administration rooms. Also at this level is the hall for sports or assembly, which will occasionally be used by the local community.

The constructional system of reinforced concrete cross walls is expressed externally, in particular to the front where the concrete fin walls emerge at the face of the building. The lightweight infill walls are clad in hardwood externally and birch ply panels internally. Windows and external doors and the system of shutters are all of iroko hardwood. Internal joinery is of white oak; white clay brick and white pigmented render complete the palette. The shuttering system prevents heat loss in the evenings after school. All hardwoods are from managed sources. A rainwater harvesting system supplies grey water requirements.