Manor Lodge Hive
Location: Radlett
Client: Manor Lodge School
Contractor: Lifebuild
Completion due: March 2024
Value: £1.3m
Nuturing the next generation
Manor Lodge School’s belief that learning should be an adventure, a journey that extends beyond the classroom, was the design influence for their new Reception Year extension. From this philosophy we created a building which allows seamless inside/outside learning.
The single storey glulam structure with a natural, earthy material palette has been sensitively designed to fuse the adjoining buildings with the landscape beyond. The fluid building form relates to its natural surroundings, creating a visual and a direct connection with nature, as the roof envelops the tree at the centre.
The shapes of the flowing building form continue into the landscape, blurring the lines between inside and out, providing a rustic and inspiring environment for the children interact with nature. Lessons now start in the classroom, transfer seamlessly into the new extension space and finish in the undulating landscape beyond.
Alongside the early years extension the school took the opportunity to refurbish their staff room into a space where the staff can relax in comfort.
Photos by Andy Stagg