This early years education building was delivered on a tightly constrained site adjacent to a Grade II listed school in Lambeth. The structural design responds to challenging ground conditions, spatial requirements and heritage constraints while enabling efficient construction on a limited urban plot.

The structure is formed using a precision manufactured steel frame combined with a CLT folded roof, creating efficient spans and minimising material waste. The hybrid system was ideally suited to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), supporting rapid onsite assembly and reduced disruption to the neighbouring school.

Given restricted access and variable ground conditions, the building is supported on piled foundations, ensuring safe load transfer and mitigating settlement risks close to existing structures. The foundation system also provided the stability necessary for the split-level configuration adopted to maximise usable volume on the compact site.

This split-level arrangement delivers a double height hall at ground level, a mezzanine with a viewing balcony and music room, and spacious upperstorey classrooms. The structural grid and load paths were carefully coordinated to maintain openness and flexibility while fitting within the tight footprint.

Externally, the duotone brick façade—red brick below and white glazed brick above—required careful detailing to manage differential movement, support varied window openings and integrate soldiercourse brickwork. Irregular window geometries introduced localised structural requirements, including bespoke lintel solutions and incorporation of recessed seating.

Sustainability is embedded within the structural strategy. The CLT folded roof provides a lowcarbon, high performance solution while contributing to the building’s warm interior character. Additional environmental measures include solar shading, natural ventilation, photovoltaics and an airsource heat pump.