Gatehouse School sees the dramatic transformation of an Independent Primary School in inner-city East London. Comprising a vertical expansion and extensive internal refurbishment, this ambitious design has allowed the school to cater for a growing waiting list by expanding from two to three form entry and provides a series of outstanding new facilities. These include 15 new classrooms, a flexible performance space, reception, music suites, library, kitchen, additional hall space and a consolidated nursery.

The contrasting design harks towards the building’s original 1901 architectural language as a starting point. Heritage research uncovered the school had experienced considerable bomb damage during WWII, resulting in the loss of the building’s original composition. This provided the inspiration to utilise the existing Victorian foundations and rebalance the elevations, reinstating the original bookend form.

The materiality further contributes to the richness of the school’s historic architecture without attempting to replicate it. To enhance the contrast between old and new, GRC is used to provide a contemporary physical and visual hierarchy against the coarse textured red brickwork.

Gatehouse School was shortlisted for a National Building Award, up against some of the UK’s leading practices, such as Heatherwick Studio and Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios.

Ian Givin was Project Architect for Gatehouse School at Child Graddon Lewis.