terraces are landscaped so children can experience the benefits of nature despite the city location .
The landscaping includes raised tree planters , productive garden areas for the schools ‘ growing club ’– including a greenhouse , planters and composting wormery – and trailing plants and espalier pear trees behind the timber pergola screens on the rooftop playgrounds .
“ Extensive dialogue with the local planning authority ensured the proposed massing and the masonry detailing with its characteristic stone banding complemented both the original school and the wider surroundings , with the green glazed brick and circular windows referencing the colourful 1911 Michelin House nearby .”
The local authority also required a sustainable design , and Dixon Jones responded with a lowenergy passive approach to minimise running costs and reduce the need for future maintenance .
Having the classrooms alongside the cascading roof terraces allows them to be naturally ventilated , while the generous floor-to-ceiling heights allow deep daylight penetration , reducing the need for internal lighting .
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