St. Mary's Infant School
Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Architect: Jessop and Cook Architects
Completed: 2013

Photo: Nikhilesh Haval

St Mary's Infant CE School's new foundation stage classroom consists of three offset elements. They reflect the form and multiple pitched roofs of the main school in a playful way, breaking up the linear aspect of the site and creating an enclosed 'secret garden'. The first element consists of the buff brick main classroom, the second of an additional teaching space and amenities, and the third of the cedar clad external covered play area accessed by a set of bi-fold doors to link the class and play space.

Photo: Nikhilesh Haval

Internally the main teaching space provides a light and airy environment created by the multiple roof lights, strip windows along the south elevation and large high-level windows which all help to capture light throughout the day. It offers a variety of spaces through the use of extruded window bays and a raised play area to create an engaging environment for the children.

Photo: Nikhilesh Haval