St Patrick's Primary School
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Extra-curricular extension created in one volume that provides three different spaces
These spaces include a mezzanine gallery and a central performance stage that extends outwards into the playground and is sheltered by a canopy. A crafted staircase and bookcases with built-in benches line the interior on three sides.
The extension is located in a corner plot connecting the school to the immediate townscape, as well as creating a strong relationship with the existing school building and its playground.
The bookcase is a large piece of joinery that connects the stair, the natural ventilation louvers, and supports the music store floor above. It also provides a backdrop to the stage area when an audience watches from under the external canopy.
A CNC (computer numerical control) pattern cut into the plywood canopy creates an abstract image of the existing tree to the east. The whole of the interior is constructed from birch plywood, including the bookcases and benches.
The first-floor music store hangs from plywood portal frames with stainless steel hangers, which in turn support the glazed balustrade. The gantry is held away from the sides of the building so it appears to float, and the hangers are tied back into the portal columns.
Data
- Begun: Jul 2010
- Completed: Mar 2011
- Floor area: 73m2
- Sector: Education
- Total cost: £383,000
- Procurement: JCT ICD 05
- CO2 Emissions: 16.9kg/m2/year
- Address: Holmes Road , Kentish Town, London , NW5 3AH, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Coffey Architects
- Client: St Patrick's Primary School (Diocese of Westminster)
- Structural engineer: Rodrigues Associates
- M&E consultant: ConServ
- Quantity surveyor: Stockdale
- Acoustic consultant: PGA Acoustics
- Main contractor: Bolt and Heeks
- CDM coordinator: North Laine Design
- Approved building inspector : MLM Building Control
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