Oasis Academy Silvertown

Newham, Greater London

Civic Trust Awards Citation

Oasis Academy Silvertown is a co-educational secondary school, accommodating 600 students within a constrained urban site.

It takes the form of a multi-storey superblock with a distinctive layered façade and outdoor social spaces at various levels, including a rooftop Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The folded white brick external walls not only respond to the elements but also contribute to the building’s visual appeal, creating a dynamic and textured appearance. A notable feature adding a civic quality to the structure is the colonnade leading to the visitor entrance. Despite challenges posed by the busy road and DLR lines surrounding the site, the design successfully navigates limited space, creating a compact yet functional educational environment. The layout of interior spaces and the thoughtful arrangement of vertical and horizontal circulations contribute to a buzzing and happy atmosphere within the school. 

Achieving BREEAM Excellent certification, the project prioritises sustainability through a fabric-first approach, thermal mass utilisation, and low and zero-carbon (LZC) technologies. The school’s interior spaces are flooded with natural light, creating bright and pleasant teaching environments. Classrooms, including specialised areas like Science Labs, Food, and Music Rooms, are strategically arranged around the perimeter of each floor. The vertical stacking of the main hall, internal sports hall, and rooftop MUGA at the centre of the building maximises large gathering zones for students, fostering a sense of community and activity. The project also demonstrates thoughtful consideration for diverse student needs, providing quieter external zones for self-regulation between classes. This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the educational spaces, offering adaptable rooms that benefit a broader portion of the local community. 

Oasis Academy Silvertown not only addresses the urgent need for a secondary school in a rapidly growing community but also marks a significant improvement from temporary teaching spaces used for seven years prior. The school has been embraced by students and staff alike, making a meaningful contribution to Silvertown by providing a well-designed, flexible, and adaptable education space at the heart of the community.

Judges’ Comments: “Oasis Academy is an extremely civic and sculptural school building providing adaptable, well-designed, and flexible education space in the heart of Silvertown. It has the capacity to become an important centre for the local community.”