Dezeen Magazine

Classroom extension by Studio Webb

Studio Webb has added a zinc-clad roof extension to a private school in south London, which sets off against the building's existing brickwork (+ slideshow).

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

London-based Studio Webb added the red-zinc extension over the roof of the Victorian primary school in Battersea, creating two extra classrooms on a new second floor.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

The 14-week project saw the steel-framed structure placed on top of the existing building, which Studio Webb director Rik Webb said was "the school's only viable opportunity left on the site".

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

The firm chose materials that would fit in with different kinds of brickwork. "Within close context to a conservation area and neighbouring red brick and copper church, a sensitive design approach and appropriate choice of materials was critical," said Webb.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

The architects continued the corbeled parapet detailing of the brick structure then added the new gabled structure above to create a generous space featuring numerous skylights.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Two light-filled classrooms are separated by a long corridor with a bathroom and storage room at one end. A triangular corner window offers views towards the cathedral next door and out over the city rooftops beyond.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Other school extensions we've featured include a gabled extension to a nineteenth-century boarding school in Brightona new facade inspired by post war system-built schools, also in London and a stark concrete extension to a secondary school in Lisbon.

See more extensions »
See more stories about schools »

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Photography is by Jack Hobhouse.

Here's a project description from the architects:


Battersea School

Approached by a private school client, and inheriting a previous scheme, Studio Webb were appointed to undertake an appraisal period which enabled the design development of a second floor classroom extension in Battersea.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

With a fast track programme and comprehensive consultant team a lightweight steel structure with external zinc cladding with was produced.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Within close context to a conservation area and neighbouring red brick / copper church, a sensitive design approach and appropriate choice of materials was critical.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

A simple gable form extends above the existing brick Victorian school block below. An expanse of structural glazing to the corners brings an abundance of natural light to the teaching spaces, and provides a practical internal layout.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Vertical red zinc cladding was chosen to respond sympathetically to the adjacent church detail. The uniform surface of the material looks to offer a clean monolithic separation from the existing.

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Project Type : Private school extension
Location : Battersea, London, UK
Tender date : 06.04.2013
Start date on site : 11.05.2013

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Contract duration : 14 weeks
Gross internal floor area : 93m2
Contract / Procurment : JCT MWD 2001 / Traditional
Construction Cost : £234,000.00 exc. vat

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects

Client : l’ecole de battersea
Architect : Studio Webb Architects Ltd
Structural engineer : lyons o’neill
Quanity surveyor : measur
Contractor : rem projects (interiors) ltd
Building control / CDM : Head Projects Building Control Ltd

Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects
Floor plan - click for larger image
Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects
Roof plan - click for larger image
Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects
North elevation - click for larger image
Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects
West elevation - click for larger image
Classroom extension by Studio Webb Architects
South elevation - click for larger image