This high-profile extension to Headington Preparatory School included the demolition of an aging multi-purpose hall, which made way for an efficient modern replacement. The initial brief required us to bring forward a modern upgrade to the school’s facilities ahead of their landmark centenary celebrations, whilst also remaining sympathetic to the character of the original listed building.

The extension includes a new bay frontage that matches the finely crafted stone and brickwork of the original period architecture. A new light and spacious atrium constructed in glass and zinc provides a dramatic double-height entrance lobby to the new building, bringing together the old and new elements of the school.

By removing out-of-date buildings, we were able to create a new uncompromised floor-plan that focused on maximising available space and created an optimal learning environment for students. Natural ventilation turrets were installed as an alternative to air-conditioning and the acoustic environment, by Arup Acoustics, was tailored to minimise noise stress.

The new Building includes the following Teaching and Performance facilities:

- New gym.
- Separate performance space.
- Specialist Art and Design Technology facilities.
- Improved Music facilities.
- New dining rooms and kitchen.
- Additional Library quiet room.
- New Cloakrooms.

Careful programming and project management enabled the school to remain completely operational throughout the construction process.