Education Building

Walters and Cohen Architects’ three-storey refurbishment and extension project at Godolphin and Latymer School in west London includes a new library, sixth form centre and enlarged dining facilities. Located at the heart of an education campus with a multilayered architectural history, the scheme resolves longstanding issues of circulation, accessibility, and fragmented development—all while retaining the character of the original cloisters and brick buildings. 

The scheme replaces an earlier two-storey structure, reusing the existing footprint to preserve outdoor space and improve connections with the listed surroundings. A new dining space occupies the ground floor and opens onto a landscaped courtyard, while the upper storeys accommodate a generously daylit library and mezzanine reading nooks. Vertical circulation routes have been rationalised, removing awkward staircases in adjacent buildings and linking key campus elements more effectively. 

Specialist contractor Park Architectural supplied and installed a range of Schüco glazing systems that connect the new and existing structures. The upper façades feature a patterned metal cladding system, behind which lie Schüco high-performance units, ensuring optimal insulation and helping to mitigate heat loss and external noise. 

A key feature of the glazing package is the three-storey vertical link that not only brings daylight into the circulation spaces, but also maintains clear visual connections across floor levels. Clerestory glazing above the main stairwell draws daylight deep into the plan, and a combination of manual and high-level tiptronic openers provide natural ventilation throughout the library. 

The project was applauded by the jury for its nuanced and sympathetic approach to materials and detailing within a conservation context. It also complimented the way Schüco window and door systems had been expertly employed to create light-filled, comfortable, and environmentally-responsible learning environments.