Reed’s Bridgeman Extension

Reed’s asked IID to provide a new Science and Humanities building which would act as a gateway to the rest of the school’s existing teaching buildings and establish a strong Sixth Form identity on an otherwise remote area of the school site.

Being hemmed in on 3 sides created various opportunities to improve the surrounding buildings. The infill links the existing Bridgeman Building’s lift with the school’s art department on the other side, housed in the roof of a cast iron Edwardian swimming pool building and previously inaccessible to less able-bodied pupils. An adjacent former Wash House with striking but worn-out roof lanterns was also linked in and sensitively refurbished as part of the project, providing two further chemistry labs served by the new Bridgeman prep and WC facilities. The new landscaping features seating opposite the school’s drama department, resurfaced to provide an outdoor stage on sunny days.

Sixth Form science students have even been using this busy outdoor space to create human amino acid chains, something you can’t quite do in a classroom!

“I have worked with IID for 20 years and I have been full of admiration for your design skills and work ethic. I always say that you are Architects with a capital ‘A’. You put so much consideration into your design solutions to meet the client needs. This desire to ‘get it right’ goes right up to the end of projects. A big well done to all at IID and thank you so much for all you have done.”