Hampstead School.

The multi-phased development at Hampstead School in North London was an initiative to improve the facilities for both staff and students. This included the construction of new buildings, as well as extensions and refurbishments, whilst also improving access and circulation.

Location

London, UK

Client

Hampstead School

Architect

Burrell Foley Fischer

Project Value

£5.3 million

Status

completed 2008

Expertise

Structures

New buildings and extensions included the construction of a new Sixth Form centre, school entrance and reception, as well increasing classrooms and other teaching spaces. All works were planned and sequenced to minimise disruption to teaching, as well as to avoid the necessity of providing temporary classrooms or alternative sites.

The old school building was originally constructed around 1900, consisting of a three-storey block flanked by four-storey wings. These are of load-bearing masonry supporting timber floors and roof. The central block also contains a double-storey library with timber roof trusses.

The modern Sixth Form centre, which contrasts the old masonry façade, first required the demolition of the existing roof over the central block, whilst leaving the library ceiling intact at the front. The new floor consists of 110 mm precast concrete planks supported by steel beams, and the envelope of steel is accompanied by a glass front, creating a ‘pod’-like appearance.

The latest phase consisted of a new-build, two-storey teaching block, providing classrooms, office space, catering and hospitality teaching spaces. In addition, a link bridge was constructed at first floor level to provide better circulation. A steel-framed solution was chosen over concrete, due to the lighter weight and quicker on-site construction of prefabricated components.

The external cladding comprises a combination of masonry and lightweight metallic panels, with the former supported by mass concrete strip footings, and the latter supported at every floor. Due to the low loads created by the steel frame, spread foundations were considered the most economical, in the form of pads and strips.