Carlisle, Cumbria

Appointed via the Cumbria County Council Framework, Architects Plus successfully delivered new classrooms for Houghton School after carrying out an initial feasibility study in early 2015.  This established parameters for extending the existing school to accommodate additional pupils following recent planning approvals for new housing within the surrounding area.  Works commenced on site in January 2017 and were complete by the start of the Autumn term in September 2017.

The new classrooms benefit from an abundance of natural light and are naturally ventilated with specially designed wind catchers on the roof. The external appearance of the new extension has a prominent roof profile and playful coloured wall panels that provide a striking contrast to the simple form of the original 1960s building.  In addition to the new build elements the entire school received new mechanical and electrical installations as part of the County’s planned maintenance schedule.

“We are thrilled with our new extension which has almost doubled the size of the school.  The skilfully designed 21st century classrooms have created an inspirational space in which children can reach their potential.  The drab, awkwardly designed school hall has been transformed into a bright, multipurpose hall with state of the art kitchen facilities.….and having just been ranked in the top 50 highest performing small state schools in England, we now have a school which reflects the wonderful teaching and learning which happens here.”

Mrs Lindsey Slater, Headteacher at Houghton Primary School.