Fostering creativity and learning One of the challenges when extending existing school facilities is how to sensitively tie any new additions into the existing building context, balanced with creating a distinct identity for the new spaces. O’DonnellBrown were approached by Cyril Jackson Primary School to produce proposals for a new entrance extension to their existing school in Limehouse, London. The previous visitor entrance sequence from street to reception was disorientating due to a lack of visual connection. We created a clear and approachable entrance sequence through the introduction of a modest entrance extension, also offering a sheltered gathering space and a new ‘face’ to the street, creating a much needed visual connection to the school reception. The new extension uses a pre weathered timber cladding to sensitively harmonise with the existing London stock and unusual geometries of the existing building. The timber offers a warm, natural face to the building in contrast to the harder existing material palette. This directly responds to the school’s wish for a greener, organic first impression of the school for visitors. Contractor: IMS Building Solutions Structural Engineer: Kashec Quantity Surveyor: Arcos Consultancy Principal Designer: Arcos Consultancy Cladding: @russwooduk Photo: @timcrockerphotographer #odonnellbrown #odonnellbrownarchitects #architecture #london #school #architect #design #schooldesign #designstudio #educationarchitecture #schoolarchitecture