Following our press release about the difficulties faced by architects, conservationists and planners regarding the extension to Henerietta Barnett School, a Lutyens-designed grade II* listed building, we are delighted to announce that this prestigious building now has an equally prestigious award.
At the 2012 Brick Awards held this week, Hopkins Architects accepted the award for Best Education Building for the Henrietta Barnett School in London, constructed using a distinctive 50mm handmade and pre-blended brick from Charnwood
Commenting on the building the judges said, Henrietta Barnett is “the most impossible site to build on” and is “not conventional”. It is obvious to the Judges that this building is the product of the plan. “Poetic in its three dimensionality”, the arts block and music block flank the central block, not detracting from the masterplan. It is a modernist building in traditional clothing. Well detailed and constructed on a rigid grid with the structure subtly expressed. Excellent brickwork which has been well laid with an interesting detail reflecting the floor beams. The school has a good pedigree and these twin buildings make a sophisticated addition to the original Lutyens building. The soft red brick complements the original building giving a warmth suitable for the suburb garden setting.
MBH are delighted that the individuality of Charnwood’s products and their ability to pre-blend bricks, prior to delivery to site, was recognised by everyone involved in this painstaking development scheme.
