A new state of the art building for the Thames Christian School in Battersea, London is now complete. Designs developed by Henley Halebrown and delivered by HLM Architects, the building forms part of the York Gardens Regeneration Project.
The new six-storey, 4,000sqm school is providing independent secondary education to the local community focused on science, technology, engineering, and creative arts within a faith-based environment.
As part of the first phase, the Thames Christian School and Battersea Baptist Chapel were moved to a new combined location within a considered masterplan that included an affordable accommodation block of 46 apartments along with a 20 storey, 93-unit residential tower for private sale. With the accommodation and chapel finished in 2021, the construction of the school marks the phase complete.
Architecturally, the brickwork presents the exterior as a solid block with a playful arrangement of external windows. At the upper levels, two fully glazed landscaped courtyards are carved out which, along with the rooftop terrace and adjacent MUGA pitch, provide much needed outdoor social and activity space.
Internally, the design is reflective of the school’s aims: Individuality, Grounding, Direction, Wisdom and Journey. The underlaying concept recognises these aims are interconnected and expresses this through a continuous weave pattern throughout. The internal spaces expose the raw concrete structure but contrast with soft textured finishes and natural materials.
Designed to stringent sustainability and environmental standards, the building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating.
HLM Architects worked closely with all members of the Joint Venture Partnership of The London Borough of Wandsworth, lead architects Henley Halebrown and Taylor Wimpey Central London, and fully supported the vision for the School and Chapel.
Head of Thames Christian School – Stephen Holsgrove said: “Our staff and pupils are thrilled with their new space. The unique architectural design provides visual connection throughout the space enabling the school to retain its relational ethos and family feel as it grows. State of art specialist facilities allow the development of our sixth form in 2023. Our pupils now have the stunning environment they deserve.”
Lead Architect, Luke Riggall said: “One of the biggest features of the new school is the capacity to deliver sixth form education, which means pupils can continue to flourish within the same educational environment they started in. We wanted to create a space that felt beautiful and reflected the values of the school without sacrificing functionality and purpose. It’s important that the pupils and staff felt a sense of belonging when they stepped into the school while being fully supported by the functionality of the spaces around them. The end result reflects this approach and the new facilities will provide an encouraging and inspirational environment for learning.”
