Shortlisted for the Modern Methods of Construction 2026 Awards in the Category ‘Project of the Year – Education (Early Years and Primary)’

The Entrance Pavilion creates a clear, inviting main entrance to the school by extending and refurbishing the existing caretakers lodge with an innovative modular timber structure. Designed in close collaboration with the school, the project improves safeguarding, security, accessibility, and provides a welcoming moment of arrival to the site.

A glulam timber portal frame defines the architecture, forming a canopy that balances familiarity and identity. A familiar dual-pitch from marks the entrance from the street, and responds to the surrounding heritage context. This transitions into a dynamic curved roof, creating an engaging space that reveals itself as pupils and staff move through the entrance colonnade, connecting visually and spatially with the wider campus.

Sustainability and demountability are central to the project. The scheme has been delivered in phases to address immediate safeguarding needs while allowing future adaptation. Prefabricated timber cassettes enable disassembly, reuse, and relocation, supporting circular economy principles. Low-impact screw pile foundations, a green roof, and wider landscaping reduce embodied carbon impact and improve biodiversity on the site.

The project also serves as an educational tool, where elements of the cassette system have been left exposed, and a cassette structure of the school’s emblem installed on site acts as a permanent teaching resource.

The entrance pavilion showcases modern sustainable construction methods, while contributing positively to the school community.

Project Details:

Architect: MAP Architecture

Main Contractor: Ashley Group

Project engineer: Balanced Structures

System engineer: Price & Myers

Construction system: BlokBuild

Professional photography and Videography: Luke Hallett