Kelmscott Primary School
The project was designed to provide additional capacity and upgrade the school’s teaching and support spaces to meet the needs of a growing community. The work was delivered in two phases. Phase 1 involved extending the school at the front of the site, creating additional dining areas, an Activity Studio, WCs, storage, and new circulation space around the existing amphitheatre. Phase 2 focused on remodeling the existing building, introducing new science and computer studies laboratories, a Graphics/Product Design studio, staff preparation areas and office space.
Delivering this scheme required careful planning to overcome both technical and logistical challenges. The works took place in a fully operational school, which meant ensuring the safety of students, staff and visitors while minimising disruption to day-to-day learning. The site was located in a densely populated residential area, with the main construction haul road intersecting the school entrance.
Technically, the build was highly complex. It included piled foundations, a suspended ground floor slab with a gas membrane, and a structural system combining steelwork with exposed Glulam beams, precisely formed to mirror the amphitheatre’s radius. The façade incorporated faceted curtain walling with SBD sliding screens and high-quality brickwork.
We approached this project with a clear focus on control, communication and collaboration. Every interface between construction work and school activity was planned and monitored to maintain site safety and continuity of education. Traffic movements were tightly managed, with the two-way gated crossing enabling secure segregation between vehicles, pupils and staff.
Technical coordination was equally detailed. Structural and architectural elements were integrated early in the process to reduce complexity during construction. Communication formed a key part of our methodology: the school and local stakeholders were kept informed about upcoming works and critical milestones through regular updates. Sustainability was a core principle, reflected in the installation of blue/green roofs on both new buildings. These features supported Waltham Forest’s Climate Emergency response, promoting biodiversity, improving air quality and aiding sustainable rainwater management.
