Wren Academy in the London Borough
Wren Academy in the London Borough of Barnet is a secondary school designed by architects Penoyre + Prasad. The school’s specialism is Design and the Built Environment and the idea that the school building itself should instruct, inspired the architectural concept
The improvement of the traditional red sandstone flats by Queens Cross Housing Association has provided a mix of 44 affordable homes and flats for social rent, as well as preserving the type of building synonymous with the city’s architectural heritage.
Furthermore, Gary MacGregor, Managing Director of CCG (Scotland) Ltd who were appointed as the main contractor, commented: “Re-using existing buildings is one of the biggest contributions that can be made towards sustainability in the built environment.
As well as internal modernisation and fabric repairs to the structure, the project included a fully improved back court area. The landscaping made extensive use of Palermo fence panels, with a small 43x44mm mesh, to subdivide the space into recreation areas, washing greens and to provide screening for wheelie bin storage. The panels were installed with timber posts to support clematis, honeysuckle and other climbing plants.