Fawood Children's Centre
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Nursery with facilities for autistic and special needs children, and a Children’s Centre with adult learning services
The primary structure is a trapezoid shed enclosure, which takes the form of a steel portal frame structure with a deep overhanging roof, formed of a mix of opal polycarbonate roof cladding and bright pink powder-coated profiled steel cladding, on galvanised steel purlins and portal frame.
The walls are formed of two types of stainless steel mesh; the lower part of the wall uses a denser mesh to enhance the building security, the upper levels feature curtains of lightweight mesh that are modulated into rippling curves by elliptical coloured acrylic 'lozenges'.
The internal accommodation for the nursery is provided by a number of recycled shipping containers painted in bright colors and decorated with applied artwork.
Three groups of three-storey shipping container structures are connected by walkways, projecting balconies, lift and steel staircases. The containers have been fitted with under-floor heating and simple finishes to provide efficient and low cost classroom space.
Data
- Begun: Feb 2004
- Completed: Oct 2004
- Floor area: 2,270m2
- Sectors: Education, Civic
- Total cost: £2.3M
- Tender date: Aug 2003
- Procurement: JCT 1998 Design and Build
- Address: Fawood Avenue, Brent, London, NW10 8RF, United Kingdom
Professional Team
- Architect: Alsop and Partners
- Project architect: Will Alsop
- Client: Stonebridge Housing Action Trust
- Structural engineer: Adams Kara Taylor
- Services engineer: Fulcrum Consulting
- Services engineer: Pinnacle Building Service Engineering Consultants
- Project Artist: Joanna Turner
- Lighting design: Janet Turner
- Main contractor: Durkan
- Employer's architect/agent: Calford Seaden Partnership