Construction has started onsite at an East London school to extend its facilities and accommodate growing pupil numbers. After winning planning permission, Saunders have been appointed to oversee the detailed design and delivery of the construction. This includes an extension of the ground-floor dining room and the addition of a first-floor music facility, joined to the original building with a distinctive and contemporary glazed link. The project at Sarah Bonnell School, a secondary comprehensive in Stratford that describes itself as among the oldest girls’ schools in the country, also involves a careful consideration of the existing building to retain the majority of the ornate Edwardian elevations.

Associate Director with Saunders, Annabel Lait explains the design in more detail.

"Sarah Bonnell School needs extra space and this presented the opportunity to remodel some of the original buildings dating back to 1905. We have worked with the school to provide a diverse range of spaces, which will provide flexibility for learning. The new larger dining room includes an outdoor covered dining area to allow students to dine together. Existing music facilities are situated close to the noise sensitive classrooms, so the new music block is located away from study areas.”

Saunders are working closely with the school to ensure that the design is delivered. They are also mindful of the opportunities to educate the pupils in the art of design and construction, so will be creating information boards to be positioned around the school explaining the new buildings. Construction is expected to be completed later this year.