Orchard School, which is currently housed in a 1930s three-story building, has been granted GBP6 million ($8.9 million approx) million in funding as part of the government’s Primary Capital Programme. Hackney Council has granted planning approval for the remodeling scheme.
The extension will increase the school’s space by one-third, and will include among other things a much larger reception area for visitors, a parents’ room, and a lift serving all three floors of the building to allow for disabled access.
The architects have conducted an extensive three-dimensional study of the building’s relationship to the existing school and the wider urban context. The design is focused on enhancing the school’s image within the community and brass is chosen as the cladding material in order to reflect this.
The scheme has achieved BREEAM – Very Good rating in pre-assessment. The school’s sustainable design features are green roofs, exposed thermal mass, photovoltaic/solar thermal technology and timber wall panel construction.
The existing school building will be refurbished with the latest technology, new finishes in the classrooms, upgraded toilet facilities, and a new heating system. The playground facilities will also be upgraded, and the facility will feature a new, much expanded kitchen.
According to the current plans, the project is expected to be completed by mid-2012.
