The replacement façade to the Music School’s north elevation gives order to a previously incomplete and asymmetric existing building, including floor to ceiling windows overlooking the school’s playing fields. The sensitive selection of materials, and colour, respond to the setting within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We navigated spatial constraints imposed by the existing structure to significantly improve the acoustic attenuation and environmental performance of the Music School. The building also accommodates lower school classrooms, a new home for the Drama Department, an Art Studio, and a library. Flexibility and inclusive accessibility were created by linking separate school buildings via a first floor link bridge. We upgraded the environmental performance of the existing envelope and added PV panels on the roof.

The proposal includes a stepped amphitheatre for use by the Music and Drama departments.