LB Southwark SILS3 Peckham, Pupil Referral Unit for children in South London, UK Building Design
LB Southwark SILS3 Peckham, South London
26 June 2022
Design: Tim Ronalds Architects
Location: Peckham, South London, England, UK
Photos by Jim Stephenson
RIBA Awards 2022 Winning Buildings and Architects
The LB Southwark SILS3 Peckham, South London is one of the 29 winners of the 2022 RIBA National Awards for architecture.
LB Southwark SILS3 in Peckham, South London
Jury Report
LB Southwark SILS3 is a Pupil Referral Unit for children who have typically been excluded from school. Its purpose is to give students time out from mainstream education before they are ready to return. Their behaviour can be challenging and demanding.
The project came without a detailed brief. Because the school’s previous premises – a reappropriated children’s home – were so ill-suited to its needs, the Head’s first instructions were no more detailed than to request a new school building. In response, architects at Tim Ronalds spent several days observing lessons on site and consulting with pupils, staff and management.
The immediate sense is one of simplicity and calm. The new building is inviting. It is comfortable, light, spacious and airy whilst also evidently being secure and tough. It successfully and discreetly assimilates its complex brief.
Throughout, the material palette is mellow. Outside, the near-white brickwork, window frames and stone surrounds and latticed parapet are uplifting. Inside, the oak floors, maple joinery and purpose-designed pine acoustic ceilings confound the institutional stereotype. The overall air of tranquility belies the building’s considerable robustness.
The plan is clear and legible. Giving off wide, naturally lit central corridors, the classrooms and study spaces are generous, with large picture windows affording views over the playground and adjacent park. Offices and staff rooms are located strategically to facilitate natural surveillance and so inhibit bad behaviour. The detailing throughout is elegantly conceived.
The energy strategy incorporates passive systems that minimise energy consumption and require little maintenance. Good air quality is achieved through highly effective natural ventilation systems. The building has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
Such an optimistic and special environment can certainly only improve the life chances of its students.
LB Southwark SILS3 Peckham, South London – Building Information
Title: LB Southwark SILS3
RIBA region: London
Architect practice: Tim Ronalds Architects
Date of completion: Jul 2020
Date of occupation: Sep 2020
Client company name: London Borough of Southwark
Project city/town: London
Contract value: Confidential
Gross internal area: 1,800.00 m²
Net internal area: 1,675.00 m²
Cost per m²: Confidential
Contractor company name: Gilbert-Ash
Consultants:
Structural Engineers: Waterman Structures
Environmental / M&E Engineers: Waterman Building Services
Acoustic Engineers: Ramboll
Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant: Faithful + Gould
Project Management: Faithful + Gould
Awards:
• RIBA Regional Award
• Regional Award Short List
• London Southeast
Winners:
Photos: Jim Stephenson
LB Southwark SILS3 London images / information from The Royal Institute of British Architects
Location: Peckham, South London, England, UK
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