Christchurch CE Primary School, Spitalfields

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Located within the grounds of Christ Church in Spitalfields (designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor), this new, glue-laminated, timber framed building has been designed for use by the adjacent primary school and local residents, and more than doubles the footprint of the previous community building. The foundation design required careful consideration, built upon a consecrated burial site with poor ground conditions at shallow depth, culminating in a reinforced concrete raft foundation, and sitting partly on the retained slab of the previous building.

Judge's comment:

This new building makes the most of previously under-used space, housing a nursery for two primary school classes, a community room and a small hall for activities including scout meetings, yoga classes and weddings. Although the structure’s location has caused some contention, the judges thought it has the potential to be of a great benefit to local families.