Wanstead High School

If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing quality and sustainability throughout construction.

Wanstead High School

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Work

Wanstead High School
Redbridge, London

Client

London Borough of Redbridge

CLTH was commissioned by the London Borough of Redbridge to work on the expansion of Wanstead High School. The proposal envisions an extension to meet the increasing spatial needs of both students and staff. Along with the new building, retrofit works will be carried out to some of the school's key spaces, such as the dining area and kitchen.

CLTH also designed a new addition to the existing Leisure Centre to accommodate a swimming pool and a studio space, which will be used by the school and the public.