Woodham Walter

Client - Essex County Council
Location - Woodham Walter, near Chelmsford, Essex
Appointed -
Estimated value - £415,000

A 130 sq m new hall to allow this three class village primary school (of less than 90 pupils) to deliver all parts of the national curriculum including P.E., dance, drama and have whole school assemblies.

The structure is inspired update of the oak cruck 'A' frames of vernacular barns. The asymmetry of the curved glu-lam beams allows for cross ventilation and even levels of day-lighting via high level clerestory windows to the road elevation above the 'lean to' stores and servery. The curve extends downwards to a child height scale offering extensive views out on the adjoining playing field and countryside beyond.

Externally the building responds to the original one room Victorian board schools in its use of red brick and a slate roof, however the proportions and technology of the windows belie a contemporary expression.

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