School in London
- Heide Wessely
Founded in 1957, this school for 1,800 girls was in urgent need of modernization. The clear architectural aesthetic of the 1950s and the generous open spaces were features that were still appreciated, however, and which the architects preserved. The enlarged facilities are divided into invidivual buildings that accommodate different disciplines, and pupils move between them along a central route that is protected from the rain. The gardens and sports areas create the impression of a school set in a park. Two existing buildings by the architect Leslie Martin have been retained: the school hall and the swimming and sports hall with its concrete beam structure. All other buildings were successively demolished and replaced. The construction sequence therefore posed a logistic challenge, since most measures had to take place during the school holidays. The concrete element facade played a major role in this respect and was prefabricated complete with windows and thermal insulation. Construction tolerances were kept to a minimum – 6 mm joints between elements – and an entire storey could be erected in just a week. The facade consists of 12 different unit types, installed partly at an angle to each other. Load-bearing elements are storey-height and 3.0 or 4.5 m wide. Two elements were combined to form a classroom, thereby creating a grid dimension of 7.5 m and room sizes of 51 m². Each classroom has an opening light that allows natural ventilation. The geometry of the raking reveals ensures an animated facade image and rooms with the desired degree of light and shade.
