Harrow School Biology and Chemistry Building

The new building is a key part of the Harrow 450 development programme. Together with the proposed new Sports Centre, it forms a coherent whole in which the design of the buildings is integrated with an extensive landscape strategy. The massing and siting respect the buildings historic setting whilst exploiting dramatic views across to central London.

The significant level drop from the historic setting at the ridge of the Hill, creates rich and varying relationships to the surrounding landscape. The gently curving main façade defines a new cross-route linking the main academic buildings to the School’s dining hall and beyond. This form is reflected internally with a dramatic atrium and axial circulation containing social and collaborative space.

A playful red brick façade with textured panels echoes the historic academic core and is complemented with bronze metalwork.

The project provides state-of-the-art laboratories for chemistry and biology alongside a 180-seat lecture theatre. The building also houses an energy centre which contributes to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ target.

To see an animation, click here.

To read about the combined projects, click here.

  • Client:Harrow School
  • Type:New build and development programme (Phase 1)
  • Location:Harrow on the Hill, London
  • GIA:3,675m²
  • Status:Completed May 2024
  • Consultants:Gardiner & Theobald (Cost), Buro Happold (M&E, Fire), Momentum (Structure & Civils), ME Landscape Studio (Landscape Architects), Ingleton Wood (BREEAM), Paterson Planning (Planning Consultants), Goddard Consulting (CDM), Sandy Brown Associates (Acoustics), Appleyard and Trew (Employer’s Agent), LB Harrow (Building Control)
  • Photography:© Rachel Ferriman