Thames Christian School & Battersea Chapel

Wandsworth, Greater London

Located near Clapham Junction Railway Station, the scheme skilfully addresses spatial, functional, and environmental challenges to deliver a well-considered and community-centric design. Architectural ingenuity has created a harmonious blend of two distinct uses on a constrained urban site, maximising limited space while retaining a sense of openness and natural light. The decision to structure the school around two U-shaped courtyards with external access decks is innovative and practical. This layout ensures classrooms are flooded with daylight and benefit from natural ventilation while mitigating noise from the nearby railway. The school's multi-purpose hall and performance space in the base of the building are skilfully handled with daylight and controlled views upwards and out. The small external courtyard and single-storey entrance area through which the school is accessed provides an effective foil to the much larger mass of the main building and adds to the spatial richness. The external decks also provide shade in summer, contributing to a pleasant, adaptable learning environment. The church spaces, especially the top-lit assembly areas, are equally impressive, offering serene and naturally illuminated interiors that enhance the spiritual ambiance. The restrained yet robust material palette, primarily exposed concrete and visible services, emphasises durability while maintaining a high standard of construction detailing. The retention of mature trees demonstrates a commitment to preserving the natural environment, with these trees not only filtering views into classrooms but also softening the urban setting. The dual courtyard layout and omission of secondary linings in construction further reduce the building’s embodied carbon, showcasing thoughtful ecological design. Additionally, the integration of natural ventilation and high levels of daylighting across both buildings minimises energy use. The church provides essential spaces for faith-based activities and local events, reinforcing its civic importance. The school, though fee-paying, extends its reach through a bursary program that supports local residents, offering access to exemplary facilities. Together, these institutions form a strong civic presence, blending harmoniously with their urban surroundings and retaining a sense of permanence through the preserved trees.

Judges’ Comments:

“This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can respond to environmental and spatial constraints to successfully create a dual-use development in an urban context.”