st. charles primary school
	Extension to school hall, London W10 Schools typically operate within limited budgets, so it’s not surprising they also often have limited expectations. This was certainly the case with St Charles Primary School. The school wanted more space to accommodate its growing needs, particularly those of the school orchestra, and was asking for a utilitarian single-storey extension design because it believed that was all it could afford. We felt it deserved better, and argued the merits of investing in a two-storey extension. Building work is always disruptive to the school routine, so it made sense to provide for the school’s long term needs, rather than just catering for its immediate requirements. A two-storey extension cost substantially more, so we were instrumental in applying for the maximum possible grant from the DFES. We argued the merits of the case, stressing that this was a beacon school, specialising in music, in the North Kensington Challenge Area. The grant application was successful and the school had to raise just £20,000 more than it had originally budgeted for. As for the design solution, it was far more than utilitarian. The elegant and unusually shaped roof made the upper floor particularly spacious and light, and we introduced a glass balcony for external addresses. The project was brought in on time and on budget. Design Features • internally, the existing hall was integrated with the new one for flexible use as a stage area at ground level, and for classroom and music practice rooms on the first floor • externally, the building was integrated with the existing hall using sustainable materials and meticulous detailing • construction was in timber frame with western red timber cladding for fast track construction; the red cedar and Planjja metal roof provide excellent insulation • the roof shape gives the first floor good internal height and allowed the gutters to be out of view of main facade • internal first-floor windows flood the hall with natural light Click on a picture, to enlarge and reveal more detail.