Kew Green Preparatory School, TW9
We were commissioned by an existing private school client to design and manage the alteration and refurbishment of an existing 4 storey 1950's office building, to form a new school. The existing building was a substantial construction of concrete and steel, frame and floors, externally clad in brick and block with sliding sash window. It was set in its own grounds with entrance gravel driveway and tennis court to the rear overlooking the river Thames.
The refurbishment was split onto two phases, comprising initially the subdivision of the basement, ground and first floors to provide classrooms, offices and toilet facilities. Phase two included the refurbishment and subdivision of the top floor necessitating the provision of an alternative means of escape provided by an external galvanised metal stair.
The subdivision of each of the floors, using door height partitions with fire resistant glazing panels at high level and adjacent to each classroom door, enabled the provision of a central naturally lit fire protected corridor, keeping circulation to the minimum. Extensive external works were required under the Building Regulations to facilitate easy access about the site.