Ivydale Primary School Library, London
Status: Completed 2020
Designed in collaboration with Yellow Kite Architects.
Structural Engineer: Shaped
Contractor: MacFhearadhaigh Ltd
Photography: Fred Haworth
Ivydale Primary School expanded into a new campus in 2018. This resulted in one of the classrooms in the original listed Victorian building becoming vacant. The Parents Association embarked on a project to convert the room into a dedicated school library - a facility that had been previously lacking.
The design incorporates a new mezzanine and staircase, all designed as a structural timber frame. The balustrading to the stair and mezzanine is formed from solid birch plywood slats, providing a cosy sense of enclosure, as well as being visually open.
The structure sets up different zones within the room and provides perfect spots to get engrossed in a good book. Bespoke furniture has been designed and made specially for the library, in plywood to match the balustrading.
All funds for the project have been raised through the generous donations of parents and the tireless work of the PTA.
