Harris Clapham Sixth Form

Sixth Form

Harris Clapham Sixth Form occupies an important site adjacent to a busy artery into and out of Clapham.

The building is arranged over four floors, a compact, easily-navigated plan. The majority of spaces open to the public and community are located at ground floor - the main hall, drama space, activity, fitness space and the dining hall.

Teaching and learning is immediately on display, with the library and quiet study spaces located at second floor adjacent to the entrance. Views into the fitness and aerobics suite through vertical ‘shop front’ windows give glimpses of community activities within the new building. The new sixth form provides places for 600 students.

Civic presence – creating a strong identity

The south elevation is characterised by a handsome, articulated brick façade with punched windows in a variety of sizes and groupings set into full brick reveals. The third floor science floor has been treated as a distinct, highly-glazed element, set back, which breaks down the mass of the building addressing Crescent Lane and provides a science external learning terrace.

Adjacent to the footpath, recessed joints define a rusticated base to the building with a minimum number of windows along the ground floor to prevent passers-by disturbing teaching and learning activities within the building. The retained trees along crescent lane provide a soft edge to the street.

Optimising the use of a constrained site

The Compact, efficient plan form essentially fills the site. Teaching spaces are arranged parallel to the site boundary with a generous wedge of circulation at the heart of the plan.

Excellent site management on such a tight site kept the programme on track and allowed construction to continue throughout the Covid lockdown.

Our Team

Jayne Bird
Andrew Hays
Chris Mannings
Chris Campion
David Tompson
Tania Ostanina
Robert Arthur
Katie Burgess

Project Team