ORLEANS SCHOOL : TWICKENHAM, LONDON

Sectors : Learning

Client : London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

The challenge for Orleans and the design team is to integrate 240 KS2 junior pupils into this existing environment, providing the new facilities and play spaces they require, whilst retaining and preserving the best of Orleans existing outdoor areas.

The project consisted of three phases. Phase 1 included new reception classrooms and improvements to the existing facilities including a hall extension and full catering kitchen. Phase 2 provided a new entrance to the school and refurbishment of the administration areas. Both Phase 1 and 2 were completed in preparation for Phase 3.

The final phase involved the changing of Orleans from its current 4 Form Entry Infant School arrangement to a 2 Form Entry Primary School. This included two new build blocks of four classrooms and a new small hall designed with light and airy internal spaces and large openings providing inside/outside relationship. The works also included improvements to the existing classrooms in the Victorian building providing shared breakout spaces for each classroom, a Learning Resource Centre, and Design Technology/Food Science classroom. A new sports pitch and improvements to the outdoor area have also been provided.

Throughout the project the team have produced design proposals that respect the local residential setting, designing sensitive but contemporary buildings with modern day teaching facilities. The design team have worked closely with the staff, governors and the Local Authority developing the proposals to suit the school’s needs against an evolving background of changing pupil place allocation requirements shared with other local schools.

The project met the BREEAM target of Very Good and provides a 20% reduction in CO2 by a combination of renewable technologies, Air Source Heat Pumps and Photovoltaic Panels.

Winner – British Council for School Environments : Excellence in Design for Teaching and Learning: Small Projects (Refurbishment)
Winner – British Council for School Environments : Excellence in Design for Interiors