The aim of this project was to consolidate existing children’s centre services into a single building and address crucial renovation needs for the Grade II listed nursery, originally built in 1952.  We reorganized the children’s centre services into distinct zones to maximize future flexibility.  Our design solution respects the historic context while integrating with the new Woodberry Down master-plan.

Two extensions were added to the east and west of the existing building.  One was constructed using timber frame, while the other utilized shear walls and SFS framing.  These extensions function as independent structures flanking the existing building. Constructed separately, they allowed various parts of the current centre to remain operational during different phases.  They were designed to enhance a courtyard space, which will be enclosed on three sides to provide a safe, high-quality external play area.

During construction of the extensions, it was discovered that the existing structure did not have a concrete soffit as initially assumed, but instead consisted of a concrete beam and block system.  These beams had been notched by existing services, compromising their load-bearing capacity.  After structural analysis, it was determined that the roof could no longer support any additional weight.  Consequently, a completely new strategy for fixing services had to be devised.