A new housing scheme enabled the building of a primary school, which challenges education and environmental norms
Henley Halebrown for Downham Road Ltd. (JV)
Contract value: £26m
GIA: 8,500m²
Cost per m²: £3,059
Hackney New Primary School is an sculptural pink brute, punctuating a busy junction with a certain civic pride. The school was enabled by a new housing block, on a single tight urban site. It size challenges educational and environmental norms, with the elimination of internal corridors forming an inner world of a closely knit courtyard and classrooms around a courtyard.
The homes will be ultimately 100% affordable housing with a penthouse quality, wide vistas and generous outside spaces sheltered by a robust concrete loggia. Its 10 storeys are served by an octagonal oculus staircase. The facade is delightfully high-quality, with a solid street presence. The apartment building touches the pavement in a well-mannered way, with a welcoming colonnade giving space to the public realm and a sense of place to the shop fronts.
This is conceptually rigorous and notable architectural response.
Small Project of the Year sponsored by Gaggenau
Sustainability Award sponsored by Michelmersh
See the rest of the London East winners here
And all the RIBA Regional Awards here