Cubitt Town Primary School
Providing a new, multi purpose school hall for the Junior school whilst also linking to the existing building and connecting the playground via a colonnaded covered space and timber clad stairway.
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Cubitt Town Junior School
London Borough Tower Hamlets Council
This project grew out of discussions with the school about the requirement for the permanent replacement of a temporary staircase and making a new permanent school hall (instead of using expensive temporary classrooms). Our approach was to use a new canopy and staircase constructed in douglas fir and clad in siberian larch to create a new link between the existing junior school, playground, and flexible learning space. The school wanted some additional multi-use space for a range of learning activities including science, drama, sport and assembly. Initially proposed as two projects when funding was uncertain, the building offered an opportunity to link the new staircase to the building via a timber canopy to provide external shelter for students. The building’s entire elevation is made up of large, douglas fir doors, which can be opened up in the summer to provide a useful link to the playground.
Siberian larch was chosen for the cladding to the stair because of its durability and cost effectiveness. The vertical battens provide shelter from wind and rain whilst allowing a playful interaction between playground and staircase. The occupants are seen in silhouette, which has the benefit of allowing teachers to supervise the space from the outside. When lit at night, the staircase also provides an interesting glow in the playground. These Siberian larch battens continue to the underside of the canopy, where the angle of the timber is set towards the eye line to provide a generous warm timber entrance along the front of the building. The building is now a very well used part of the school.
Timber is used to create a built addition to the school that juxtaposes against the existing school creating an individual, soft and warm identity. Through use of a pitched, articulated roof and multiple sets of double doors on the West Elevation, the space is light and airy whilst also being able to operate as an extension to the playground.
Material Quality: A stair made in larch connects the main primary school to the new school hall.
Impact
The new extension at Cubitt Town Primary School has transformed the way science is taught, providing a dedicated, multi-purpose space that fosters curiosity, hands-on learning, and scientific discovery.
The permanent hall allows students to engage in experiments, group investigations, and cross-curricular activities that deepen their understanding of key scientific principles. Large Douglas fir doors open to the playground, enabling outdoor experiments and enhancing experiential learning opportunities. By replacing temporary structures, the extension ensures a stable, well-equipped environment where pupils can develop their scientific thinking, inquiry skills, and confidence in exploring the world around them.
Designed for durability and sustainability, the timber-clad staircase and canopy improve circulation while providing sheltered outdoor learning areas. Siberian larch battens offer weather protection and maintain visibility for supervision, ensuring a safe and engaging space for science education beyond the classroom. At night, the illuminated staircase creates a striking presence, reinforcing the school's commitment to innovative learning environments. By integrating natural materials and thoughtful design, the extension supports the school's mission to deliver a rich, engaging science curriculum that prepares students for Key Stage 3 and beyond.
Working with the School
Working closely with the head teacher of Cubitt Town Junior School, and her dedicated team, the designs for the school extension were developed with careful attention to the developing needs of the school. When the initial tenders came back under budget we were able to go back and expand the scale of the building to provide more storage for the multifunctional space.
bCollaborating throughout the process, we ensured that the needs of the school community were at the heart of the design. The project was carefully planned to be implemented while the school remained fully operational, balancing the need for ongoing education with the construction process.
The result is a seamless integration of the extension into the existing school, providing enhanced learning spaces while maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students and staff. It was a privilege to work alongside such a committed team to bring this vision to life.
