Primary school, Manchester
This new-build primary school and nursery in Manchester sits at the heart of a newly created neighbourhood and the brief was to create a building that would act as a centre for the community as well as a school.
The design therefore has a strong public face, with areas for community use to the front of the building, and more private classroom spaces to the rear. A central multi-functional space can be opened to the hall or used as additional dining space.
Twelve classrooms and a nursery are housed in two wings to the rear of the building, and each classroom has direct access to an outdoor learning space. At first floor this is provided by covered balconies. Cantilevered reading pods serve each classroom cluster, and specialist rooms for science, technology and art serve each wing.
The project involved the engagement of a specialist glass artist to design a stained glass window to the main entrance and extensive community consultation about colour and identity.
The building was featured in Architecture Today (edition 203) for its innovative natural ventilation strategy.
