The Lodge, Pre-School

The Lodge - a former gatehouse to the hospital - was transformed into a nursery and has recently been extended through an ambitions proposal to double the size, providing much needed teaching space for the growing numbers of children.

Dealing with a complicated ageing structure set the project's limitations and opportunities. Previous interventions, constructed without much regard for the architectural qualities or integrity of form, involved a careful process of uncovering and re-stabilising the building. The result of this investigative process and challenging build has produced a playful design that ties the project to the character of steep pitched roofs around the site while also trying to create a tent-like form that the children could relate to.

Low-tech sustainable strategies were employed that is evident in the way the building is assembled, a celebration of ways in which simple materials can come together to make a richer effect. The ambition for the architecture aims to express an understanding of modern buildings being made of layers, and the banding of the hand-stained exterior imitates the existing brick detailing.

The plan of the first floor is defined by the perimeter of the building, stepping back in places to respect the prominence of the existing window bays. Internally the project offers an impressive set of spaces for early years learners. Designed as a sequence of smaller rooms the new teaching space offers opportunities for discovery and exploration. The ceilings rise with the pitch of the roof to create an airy and uplifting learning environment while niches within window reveals offer spaces to climb into and play.

All photographs: Lorenzo Zandri