First new build school in a century shows the way
Contemporary design blends form with function

 

The construction of Lammas Secondary School in Leyton represented the first new establishment of its type in the area for a century, required as the result of increased demand for school places throughout the area. As an entirely new site with no requirement to relocate existing pupils, Lammas offered an excellent opportunity to create a model facility that would meet the needs and expectations of parents and pupils by giving the teaching staff the ideal environment in which to deliver the modern academic curriculum.

 

The school was to be built on a brownfield site and would provide accommodation for up to 900 pupils in a two storey building. The availability of this land avoided and significant planning issues but the design of the building and, more importantly, the playing fields needed to take into account certain caveats regarding use of the area. These prevented the playing area from being fenced off as a condition of planning was that part of the land must be available for shared use by the general public. This meant that the layout of the entire area had to allow for this whilst also addressing the need for sufficient security during the school day.

 

This considered approach was applied throughout the building. For instance the teaching areas were located on the southern side of the building to maximise the use of natural light and to provide an appealing backdrop across the recreational area outside. Temperature was controlled using passive ventilation, with high levels of insulation to retain heat and specially designed window shading panels to restrict sunshine when required.

 

The external appearance of the building was made striking by the use a combination of brickwork and aluminium cladding, whilst internally a light, spacious ambience was achieved by making maximum use of windows. This was further enhanced by the two storey library with domed roof, completing the contemporary feel of the school.

 

Each aspect of the project was completed in consultation with the local authority and the teaching staff to ensure that, once operational, the school would combine functionality and comfort with low ongoing maintenance and the flexibility to adapt to changing educational requirements. Construction progressed on time and within budget and the new school opened on schedule with its first intake of pupils.

 

Once up and running the responsibility for many of the ongoing services was the responsibility of NewSchools and its partners. The contract runs for 25 years and, in common with many PFI projects, covers the provision of cleaning, maintenance and catering. However, one unusual aspect of the Lammas School PFI is the inclusion of ICT within the contract – a service that was normally handled by the teaching staff or the local authority.

 

Lammas Secondary School represents a milestone in the reform of education, successfully providing the local community with an outstanding new facility that will transform the learning experience for pupils in the area for many years. As well as being an outstanding example of functional and aesthetic design, the long term management services provided by NewSchools will ensure that staff are free to concentrate on student welfare over the long term.