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A wonderful concept simply and beautifully constructed.

This inner city voluntary aided secondary school with 900 students specialises in the Performing Arts, and had no dedicated facilities for them. The architect’s master-stroke was to create a new playground level, making a connection between a newly configured public garden on one side, and the school on another. Capitalising on the school’s one hidden asset, a space capable of being excavated, a new double-height below ground level has been created, and there is now a lofty naturally lit gymnasium, as well five-stories of dance studios, music and art departments, all working together seamlessly.

The resultant building has a decidedly urban feel, providing an inspiring backdrop for performance and arts-related education in a range of volumes, each of which is totally resolved, robust and beautiful.