Highgate Junior School

Architype were appointed architects for Highgate Junior School after winning a design competition in June 2012, with a visionary proposal for the new development. Set in the Haringey Conservation Area, the 4,288 sqm scheme provides a high quality co-educational learning facility, reflecting the schools achievements for excellence in education.

Location

London, UK

Area

4,288 m2

Status

Completed

Year

2016

Client

Highgate School

The development retains part of the existing development, Inglehome, an old Victorian villa which has been restored in a sensitive way, harmoniously integrated into the proposed main building. Designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Very good’ and a 100 year lifetime goal, we have conjured a well resolved scheme, articulated in plan to sit well within the site boundary constraints, offering extensive views across the landscape and a strong, well-defined street presence.

A combination of Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) and natural ventilation creates a tempered supply of fresh air throughout all seasons, creating excellent conditions for learning and concentration.

The scheme has been modelled in-line with Passivhaus principles, a standard Architype are well experienced in. The design reduces thermal bridges and the continuous ‘duvet’ layer of insulation works in synergy with the membrane layer to produce excellent building performance, and prevent heat loss.

Architype really understood the essential ingredients to create an inspirational learning environment. The use of light and space, the incorporation of intriguingly chosen natural elements; a room configuration which flows, an effective visual and actual connection with the outside spaces dedicated to learning and play.

Simon Martini, Capital Project's Manager, Highgate School

Vision

All vision

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Design

The plan has been broken down into two distinctive blocks, married together with a central double height hub space, which embraces the cascading level changes across the site and delineates a clear circulation strategy around the double storey building.

The front of school, with a large civic presence, accommodates the highly visible main entrance, administration facilities, staff areas, specialist teaching areas and the multi-use hall.

Taking a more informal approach, the rear block, curved in shape, incorporates classrooms for the 4-year groups with generous circulation zones and break-out spaces encouraging interactive learning and teaching activities to manifest. Provision within the classrooms, by the way of a timber screen, offers private space for independent and focussed learning or one-to-one sessions.

I think this enhances the conservation area and I am full of praise for the Architects.