JFK Beckton Special School in Newham, East London provides exceptional education for secondary school aged students with complex autism needs. Alongside associated remodelling works in the existing building, this new extension building facilitates an expansion from 60 to 100.
The design provides an easily understood environment; a simple plan layout and a low level of distraction and sensory stimulus suitable for ASD students. Staff areas are provided within the first floor, so that the ground floor prioritises step free accommodation for the students.
The new linear block is faced with brickwork at ground floor and a pre-patinated zinc at the first floor which marks the new entrance and provide a civic presence for the school at its new entrance. A timber canopy at the front of the school acts as a unifying feature between new and existing, creating a clear stratification.
The new classrooms are uncluttered, with built in storage and teaching walls, dual aspect natural light and a simple palette of materials. A new community space and café provide the ability for the school to reinforce links with the neighbourhood and improves the civic presence of the building.
To make best use of the constrained site, the substructure was constructed with SIPS panels.
The design includes air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels on both the new and existing school buildings in order to achieve net zero carbon in use.
