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Context

MONKFRITH - PUBLIC CONSULTATION1

Knoll Drive

Brookside South

Hub

Hub

Additional class space located at the end of each arm, allowing original concept to be retained.

Each classroom is constructed using modular “Hill” system on a 8ft 3inch grid.

Classroom units arranged along a hallway.

Advances in technology allow deviation from grid allowing more light and better access to outdoor space. Pioneered by Mary Medd.

Located in Southgate on the eastern edges of Barnet, Monkfrith School is a

1FE Primary School with a standard intake of 30 pupils per year.

The vision of the school is well established which aims to:

- Provide a secure and caring environment in which there is equality of

opportunity for each child to develop to his or her full potential

- Enable children to grow in independence and to have respect for

themselves and others

- To working in partnership with all those involved in our children’s

development and to promote a positive image within the local community

- Promote high standards in work and behaviour and continually strive for

excellence.

Concept

Post War Socialist Architecture

Monkfirth Primary school was built some time between 1946 and 1950. It was built

as part of the Post-War School Building Program to cope with demand from “baby

boomers” and as a reaction to inadequate and outdated Victorian schools based on

rote-learning in large classes.

Part of the wider post war-welfare state, the School Building Program was an

expression of growing socialism and socialist architecture in Britain where, between

1950 and 1970, a new school was completed every day.

The architecture was seen as an instrument for social change The buildings built during

this period aspired to be democratic and open reflections of the new societies aspired

to by British politicians and educationalists.

Below: Monkfrith School, East Barnet. 1949-1950. The 1945 standard of daylight and original school layout

Concept Below: Diagram showing concept evolution

Below: Aerial site plan

Design Concept

The overall strategy is to reinforce the school’s central shared spaces including the visitor’s

entrance, main hall and courtyard through the creation of a central “Hub”. It is envisioned

that the Hub could not only be used by the school but also by the wider community during

evenings and weekends. New and existing classrooms, admin and other facilities will have

shared access to this space.

The Hub will be created by altering existing spaces to improve accessibility and visual links.

Additional space and alterations at the visitor entrance will improve connectivity with the

street and allow the school to engage directly with the community.

Spatial Strategy: Extended Arms

In keeping with the original layout concept of the building, each arm is

extended to create a classroom area for each year group. Each classroom

area will include 2 classrooms (1 existing, 1 new), WC and hygeine facilities

and ancillary space including breakout/calm areas, storage and circulation.

KS1 classes will also benefit from dedicated outdoor play space.

Key principles:

- Creative teaching spaces

- Flexible areas for a variety of uses

- High levels of natural surveillance

- Natural light

- Breakout space

Above: Site Analysis & Constraints

Top: Initial Concept Sketches

Below: Pairing of Classroom Strategy

Below: Early Sketch Plan

Vision

Proposals aim to work closely with the existing topography of the site, to

maximise the potential for utilising areas that are currently under used and uninviting.

As a result of this the following principles apply:

-Link new teaching accommodation adjacent to existing

-Preserve internal circulation routes across the site

-Make efficient use of the existing courtyard

-Introduce new pedestrian entrance / routes into the school

-Introduce parking for staff and visitors

Main Entrance

KS2

Entrance

KS1 Entrance

HUB

Layout2

The preferred option follows the form and arrangement of the existing

building and feels like a continuation of the existing building with extended

circulation routes connecting new teaching accommodation. The proposal

benefits from pairing teaching spaces, creating an organisation of the

teaching spaces to facilitate the progression of the teaching curriculum

across the site.

Proposals aim to work closely with the existing topography of the site, to

maximise the potential for utilising areas that are currently under used and

uninviting.

Below: Plan View Showing Existing Building and Proposed Illustrative Masterplan

Design Principals

The guiding principles for development at the site include:

1. A design solution that considers the need to re-develop the existing school site

whilst utilising the existing building ethos

2. The organisation of the teaching spaces have been designed to facilitate the

progression of the teaching curriculum with Early years KS1 and KS2 clustered in

clearly defined zones to facilitate ease of access to the multi-use zones within

the building (e.g. the hall)

3. Ensures compliance with the document Building Bulletin 99 ‘Briefing Framework

for Primary School Projects’ (BB99)

4. High levels of natural surveillance

5. Illustrates a pathway to achieve BREEAM ‘excellent’ building

Performance standards

6. Provides innovative design solutions

7. Improves the local environment

8. Utilises external teaching / recreational facilities

9. Compliance with building regulations

Design Proposals

New Entrance Foyer

A new entrance foyer area is proposed, to provide space for public

gatherings, meetings and socialising. Proposals include extending the

current foyer area with a glazed extension, directing visitors to the main

reception and circulation space. The existing administration / office area is

retained and remodelled to complete the rehabilitation.

Central Hub

A low level pitched roof is proposed for the courtyard infill which will

connect the hall to the new facilities provided. A new studio space, storage

space, staff area and reprographics facility is proposed. The final detailed

configuration is to be determined during the next stage of consultations

planned with the school dated 18th December 2014.

Proposals include remodelling of the circulation space overlooking the hall,

which will form a new library/resource area. Proposals seek to re-establish

the open glazed elements of the original design, creating visual interest and

light into the hall.

Class Bases

The main elevation to the classrooms will be predominantly glazed to allow for

optimum natural daylight levels with elevations being a combination of render and

brick cladding to the base.

Reception Class Base

The reception classrooms include proposals for a separate dedicated entrance

from knoll drive designed to facilitate Early Years learning with direct access

to external hard play/external teaching space. This includes a covered area to be

provided outside of the early years classroom block.

Additional Dining Area

Proposals include new build expansion of the existing dining area. The brief

is to increase the area by 80m2, for it to operate throughout the day for increased

dining users. The space will include a flexible folding screen, which will allow the

space to be used for specialist activities such as design and technology.

MONKFRITH - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

ExistingClassroom

(Year 2)

New Classroom(Year 2)

Ancillary /Breakout space

WCs

Year 2 Classes Area __

ExistingClassroom

(Year 5)



WCs


ExistingClassroom

(Year 6)



WCs


ExistingClassroom

(Rec)

New Classroom(Rec)


WCs

Reception Area __

ExistingClassroom

(Year 1)



WCs


ExistingClassroom

(Year 3)

ExistingClassroom

(Year 3)

ExistingClassroom

(Year 4)

ExistingClassroom

(Year 4)

Visitor EntranceHub

Ded

icat

ed o

utdo

or p

lay

Ded

icat

ed o

utdo

or p

lay

Ded

icat

ed o

utdo

or p

lay

Key

Sta

ge 1

Key

Sta

ge 2

Classroom

WC/Pupil Hygiene

Multi-use “breakout” space

Circulation

Halls

Outdoor space

Below: Conceptual planning

Below: 3D Axonometric of proposal

Below: Proposed elevation facing brookside South

Below: 3D Axonometric of proposal from above Knoll Drive

Additional Classrooms Additional ClassroomsCourtyard Infill

Monkfrith Way

Appearance3

Elevation and Materials

Initial facade studies explored opportunities to articulate and enliven each

facade through detail, size and position of openings, and material choices. It

was agreed early that the proposals would maintain a limited material palette

to maintain overall character of the design. Material choices include the use of

rendered external walls, aluminium curtain walling and either brick or timber to

the base of the classroom extensions. Proposals include the use of colour to the

door frames to create individual character to the different class bases.

Illustrative elevation of typical class extension and landscape

Illustrative elevation of typical class extension and landscape

Massing and 3D Images

Central hubSpace within the existing building will be re configured to

create a central “hub” for the school.

Additional space and alterations at the visitor entrance

will improve connectivity with the street and allow the

school to engage directly with the community.

Elevational Studies

3: Kindergarten of the German School of Athens

2: DSDHA’s Hoyle Early Years Centre, Bury, Lancashire

1: John Perry Nursery and Children’s Centre

4: Coloured door frame example

Below: Precedent images

Below: Precedent Images

Elevational studies- Classrooms orientated to external spill-out areas

- Low level windows scaled to children’s requirements

- High level windows to breakout spaces

- End class base window orientation face towards external play areas

- Clerestory windows above eye level for daylight levels + possible ventilation

- Spill-out canopies above doors

- Solid robust brick plinth

Class baseThe form and massing of the existing classrooms is

referenced in the arrangement of the proposed “Class

Bases” and the introduction of single storey classroom

blocks of an equal size and proportion to the existing

classroom footprint. This arrangement enables the

pairing of class bases, which has been informed by the

early stage dialogue undertaken with the school.

Below: Axonometric showing Hub

MONKFRITH - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

2: Academy of St Francis of Assisi

1: Howe Dell Primary School

3: St Silas Primary School

4: Collis Primary School

Existing module Component grid Concepts / Classroom fenestration

Below: Typical Classroom

1 2

2 2

3

4

4

21

3

Stage

Hall

Library

Foyer

1

2

3

45

6

7

8

4 MONKFRITH - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Ecology

Terraced Playspace

To maximise potential space within the site, it is essential that we work with the existing

topography to create unique spaces. The proposed terraces exploit this topography and offer

seating areas overlooking the existing MUGA and hard standing play area. This provides an

area separate from the more boisterous play areas, where pupils can sit, talk and relax. Shrub

planting is proposed throughout this new external space. Architectural type shrubs will be

used including mix of evergreen and deciduous native species to ensure year round colour.

Experiencing the outdoor environment is

an important part both of learning and

leisure for all children, and a clear rationale

has been developed so that outdoor spaces

enrich learning, teaching and recreation.

This environment enhances the educational

experience for all children. All proposals will

consider effective supervision, appropriate

sight lines and security. All of which are

essential to avoid children straying and

to provide protection from unauthorised

visitors.

This environment has been designed

to be accessible where possible. These

proposals ensure the site has a simple, clear

layout, easily understood by all users with

accessible circulation routes.

MATERIALS & PRECEDENTS

Section through the proposed terraced area



Decked Playspace

The proposed composite decking area works within the constraints of the site to create an

all year round useable space which does not affect the existing trees. The area will provide

a calm zone away form the main school area which can be used as either an external

classroom or as a quiet area for children to relax during play time. The location of the area

within an existing area of trees provides natural shade from all weather helping to maximise

it’s all round year use. The proposed decks will have circular seats around the trees whereas

the larger deck can be left free of seating to create a large outdoor performance area.

MATERIALS & PRECEDENTSSection of masterplan with vegitation opacity reduced to help visualise the decked area.

visual of the proposed decked area

Below: Landscape Precedent ImagesBelow: Plan View Showing Building and Proposed Landscape

Landscape

Transport

A phase 1 habitat survey and desk study were undertaken by experienced ecological

consultants of Capita in autumn/winter 2014 to classify the habitats within the school

grounds and determine if/what wildlife may be using the site.

The phase 1 habitat survey identified a number of habitats on site, predominantly amenity

grassland and semi-natural broad leaved woodland. The desk study identified records of

great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) and a number of bat species including noctule

(Nyctalus noctula), common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), soprano pipistrelle

(Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) close to the school.

No suitable great crested newt terrestrial habitat or breeding ponds will be impacted as part

of the project.

An assessment of the buildings and trees was undertaken to determine if there were any

suitable bat roost locations within the school grounds. A large number of suitable roost

locations were identified within the building and 26 trees were identified as having some bat

roosting potential although no conclusive evidence of bats was found. The proposals have

been developed and adapted in consultation with the ecologists to retain possible roost

sites where possible, reducing impacts on bats. In addition, Capita are currently consulting

Natural England to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated into the

proposals.

The proposed development is almost entirely within areas of amenity grassland and existing

tarmac/hard-standing – habitats of high ecological value will be unaffected.

As part of the proposed school expansion a Transport Assessment is required by London

Borough of Barnet to assess the highway impact of the proposals in accordance with

Department for Transport document, ‘Guidance on Transport Assessment’ issued in 2007,

taking into account Transport for London (TfL) guidelines as set out in ‘Transport Assessment

Best Practice Guidance Document’ (April 2010).

Tasks undertaken to date:

- Parking and traffic surveys were undertaken during November.

- Parking within the school will be provided to the relevant design standards.

- Cycle/scooter stands will be provided within the school.

- The Transport Assessment is currently being undertaken in accordance with Department for

Transport document, ‘Guidance on Transport Assessment’ issued in 2007, taking into account

Transport for London (TfL) guidelines as set out in ‘Transport Assessment Best Practice

Guidance Document’ (April 2010).

Below: Existing Landscape Analysis

Current Landscape Provision

Max Min Existing

Soft informal and social area 1810 1140 4014

Hard outdoor PE area 1475 805 687

Hard informal and social space 1140 470 1370

Habitat area zones 805 135 2359

Projected Requirements

Max Min Existing

Soft informal and social area 2260 2260 4014

Hard outdoor PE area 1850 1030 687

Hard informal and social space 1440 620 1370

Habitat area zones 1030 210 2359

Above: Photograph showing trees on site

Below: Plan showing proposed parking arrangement

N

N

1. Proposed Terraced Seating Area

2. Proposed Car Park Area

3. Existing Hard Standing Multi Use Area

4. Improvements to Existing Entrance Way

5. Existing Play Equiptment Relocated in Safety Surfacing

6. New Proposed Reception Entrance Way

7. New Proposed Entrance from Brookside South

8. Proposed Decked Woodland Play Area



Knoll Drive

Monkfrith W

ay

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