CPMG Architects and Bowmer + Kirkland have completed a new £14m Hillingdon school expansion for pupils of Nanaksar Primary School in West London, which will provide hundreds of school places
The Hillingdon school expansion includes new, purpose-built facilities to accommodate up to 840 pupils across all primary years.
The project also includes a dedicated outdoor horticultural area to reflect a key part of the Nanaksar ethos and curriculum, providing an invaluable space for learning about plants and plant care, along with the production of fruit and vegetables as healthy food choices.
A generously sized greenhouse is also included along with a series of raised beds for cultivation.
‘Providing best start to schooling life that all pupils deserve’
Hugh Avison, director at CPMG Architects, commented: “It was rewarding to have been able to enhance the external areas to really maximise opportunities for outdoor learning.
“We made the most of the awkward tapering geometry of the site by creating an orchard, which provides a valuable natural asset to the school campus.
“In addition, as it matures it will become an important extension to the existing woodland within the Minet Country Park, expanding ecological corridors and benefitting local biodiversity. The planted sedum roof to the main hall spaces provides a further haven for wildlife.
“Another important consideration for the school was the provision of a really supportive environment for the pupils. The building design and layout provides clear sight lines, views across the landscape, small group breakout spaces, as well as distributed staff spaces for pastoral support.
“Overall, we’re genuinely pleased to have played an important part in providing best start to schooling life that all pupils deserve, and to have helped increase the number of high-quality education places for the local community.”
The Hillingdon school expansion design comprises of traditional brickwork, which creates a light and welcoming visual appearance, balancing a fresh and independent identity for the school.
The primary school setting is reflected in more playful elements such as a patterned wall at the main entrance, colourful surfaces and inventive playline markings.
‘A major investment for the community in Hillingdon’
Aftab Ahmed, head of business operations and chief operating officer at Nanaksar Primary School, stated: “We are so pleased with the new school facilities provided by the team. This work has marked a major investment for the community in Hillingdon for current and future generations.
“The new school facilities create a safe, welcoming and friendly environment that meets the needs of our current and future pupils across all communities.
“The facilities not only deliver a great teaching space but allows the teachers deliver the high quality of education using various resources incorporated within the build.
“The work delivered will make sure that everyone thrives in this environment, and that our students get the very best start to their education possible.”
The project team consists of landscape architects Ares, planning consultant DPP, structural engineer and highways consultant Curtins, building services engineer CPW, technical advisors MACE and main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.
