LT2A
School Extension La Fontaine
Inserted in a sensitive area occupied by long
1970s social housing blocks, the existing
school distinguishes itself for its peripheral
green fence, as if it is turning its back to
the site. Our proposal is to start from the
qualities of the existing, anchoring the new
to its context in a clearer way.
The existing building is based on a very
simple plan: the classrooms are positioned
50 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
on two sides of a well exposed nave which
serves as a common space for the users.
At one end of the building two new rooms
are added as an extrusion of the existing
system. In the continuity of the nave, a new
entrance is created together with a new
façade, which is meant to become the new
image of the school itself.
The wall extends to the edge of the plot
in order to restrict views from the outside
towards the classrooms.
Therefore, the façade creates a filter
between the public space and the activities
happening inside the school, allowing
pedestrians to get a glimpse of the inner
garden through the trellis panels or the small
openings, but still protecting the children’s
activities inside.