Foundation stage classroom at St Mary's CE Infant School, Witney

The project sought to replace the St Mary's CE infant school's 1940's canteen with a contemporary stand alone foundation stage classroom following an Ofstead report which failed the existing facilities.

Whilst located within a conservation area where coursed rubble stonework is the primary building material, the new classroom is constructed using steel portal frames, rustic buff brickwork and timber cladding to provide the contemporary nature called for by the brief.

The scheme consists of three offset elements which reflect the form and multiple pitched roofs of the main school, break up the linear aspect of the site and create an enclosed secret garden. The project has provided the school with a new foundation stage classroom with direct access to a covered external play area, disabled toilet and shower facilities and an additional teaching space.