School retrofit and Rooftop science Garden
Refurbishment of 5no. classrooms and creation of rooftop Science Garden in Primrose Hill Conservation Area.
The brief was to redesign a disused second-floor rooftop as a new outdoor Science Garden teaching space. Adjacent to the rooftop garden, we refurbished the existing classrooms to provide an open plan teaching space – with new large bi-folding doors providing level access to the rooftop.
The project is unique in providing a variety of rooftop planting solutions throughout to fulfil the curriculum requirements and to maximise the site. External timber clad storage units include sedum green roofs to assist with water retention.
The challenges of how to form the main roof structure above the existing roof, gave an opportunity to look at new ways to create a permeable rubber play surface that could sit above a hidden steel deck. The design involves introducing a new structure and drainage layers above the existing roof to ensure water flows freely to the new perimeter downpipes.
The project had to address various site-specific challenges including how to ensure privacy from adjacent residential apartments while respecting the heritage of surrounding Italianate buildings. The design was carefully considered to treat to main boundaries with sandblasted opaque glazing to blend into the surrounding context and provide privacy.
Photography by: Jerry Syder