Ashmead Primary School, Deptford, London

Following a complete rebuild, Ashmead Primary School in Deptford, Lewisham was handed over to the teachers and pupils to enjoy first-class facilities in a contemporary building that will transform their teaching and learning environments.

Delivered under a design and build contract by Bouygues UK, with design by architects HLM, the new Ashmead now provides 1500m² of modern primary learning facilities for 210 pupils, plus a nursery for 50 children.

Despite the site constraints and the extremely challenging ten month programme, the school was handed over on time to the delight of all concerned.

The design philosophy was to provide a school with distinct areas of accommodation, including classroom clusters, admin support areas, central facilities, a foundation unit, and improved space for staff.

There is also a new ICT suite, a main multi-purpose hall – which can be adapted to provide two separate large spaces – and an integral nursery with dedicated external play zones which enjoys a shielded environment from the rest of the school.

The accommodation is focused around a central “hub” allowing certain areas to be used while others are secured.

The classrooms are bright and airy with the rear teaching facilities overlooking a conservation area, which contains an upgraded safe external play and multi-use sports area, enhanced by mature trees.

The new school was constructed on a very confined site, in a conservation area and achieved a BREAAM “very good” rating for sustainable design.