The brief was for the creation of a new music school and drama department incorporating the recently acquired and redundant Butterfield designed St. John’s Church, Glenthorne Road.
The Manser Practice designed a series of new rehearsal spaces, music classrooms, a drama studio, teaching rooms and ancillary facilities, all linked to the church via a glazed two storey circulation space. Circulation is essential in schools and this elegant solution gave a double height space linking all parts of the new development.
The first phase involved the repair and refurbishment of the Church Vicarage to provide additional classrooms, followed by the construction of the new music school and restoration of the church. The buildings have been designed wherever possible to limit energy consumption, with natural ventilation throughout and a brown roof with high thermal mass designed to moderate temperature fluctuations.
Construction was completed on time and on budget despite the tight urban site and the constraints of working alongside listed buildings.
Shortlisted, RIBA South Award
