Project: St Patrick's School

Bolt & Heeks were engaged to construct a new timber-framed, zinc-clad library annex with covered waiting area and walkway whilst the school was fully occupied. Additionally, the works included M&E upgrade, above & below ground drainage and hard & soft landscaping.

The “book box”, as it’s become known, is of entirely bespoke construction with all the joinery being done on site. The mix of polished steel structural elements, glass stair risers and birch finishes ensures the library will be a truly 21st century design classic.

Environmental elements include a passive stack ventilation system that draws air through the building to provide constant fresh air; the system includes baffles that provide acoustic control. The birch is not only from a sustainable source but will require little or no future maintenance thus reducing the project’s whole life cost. The Sarnafil roof not only provides good insulation but is also maintenance-free, guaranteed for 40 years, includes recycled materials and, at the end of its life, can be completely recycled.

STOP PRESS St Patrick's School has been awarded the Stephen Lawrence Prize and RIBA 2011 (London Section) Award.