Vaughan Primary School expansion | LOM architecture and design

LOM, working alongside Galliford Try, completed this new build two storey block for Vaughan Primary School in the London Borough of Harrow. This was part of the Priority School Building Programme delivered for the Education Funding Agency (EFA).

Work took place over two phases: a new build two-storey junior block followed by the remodelling of the existing school to accommodate the infant school. The key challenge was to keep the school operational throughout the works. Another challenge was to design the junior block so that it was appropriate to the scale of the site and retained sufficient outside space for play, sports and parking.

“The new building works fantastically for us, from safeguarding and flow around the school, to the colours, atmosphere and spaces created by LOM. The school provides us with calm environment that the children and teachers really enjoy.”

Andrew Griffin, head teacher, Vaughan School

The new junior block contains a reception, sports hall, classrooms, kitchen, library, studio and cafeteria. The building has a distinct identity with a simple and robust palette of contrasting materials. Teaching spaces are expressed as fixed formal white rendered blocks and defined at ground level with stack bonded engineering bricks. Support facilities are linked to the teaching spaces. These are clad with cedar boards and have a rhythm of window openings at various sizes and heights to suit the activities within. The building has a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainability rating.

Vaughan Primary School`s expansion was one of 10 school expansion projects that LOM delivered for Harrow Council to meet the need for more student places. The project was originally part of the Council’s Primary Expansion Programme and gained planning permission in 2013. Vaughan was then selected by the EFA as part of their Priority School Building Programme, and LOM reworked the scheme to suit the EFA’s requirements. This involved adapting the design, reducing cost and meeting their outline specification as closely as planning restrictions allowed.