St Mary Magdalene sustainable retrofit of RAAC 1960s school building
Jennifer Beningfield, Architect, Openstudio Architects

Openstudio Architects has designed a comprehensive retrofit of a 1960s Westminster school building, transforming a structural crisis into a sustainability opportunity. Dangerous RAAC panels in the roof required urgent replacement, prompting a complete building refurbishment. The project retains the existing structure, reducing embodied carbon, while adding external insulation, triple-glazed windows, a biodiverse green roof with PV panels, and fibre cement cladding. Buildings contribute 38% of global emissions; this retrofit dramatically improves thermal performance and generates renewable energy on-site. By creating a cherished, high-quality environment, the design ensures longevity, avoiding future demolition cycles.

Greenhead College: Delivering school replacement projects on complex, live campuses
Grant Sellars, Architectural Director, Ryder Architecture

Greenhead College’s redevelopment demonstrates how major estate renewal can be delivered around retained, operational buildings. Central to the project was the replacement of an ageing Laingspan structure with a new link building that reconnects and unifies the campus, creating a modern heart space for learning, social interaction and circulation. The scheme required extensive remodelling and integration works to existing buildings while maintaining full college operations for 2,800 students. Careful phasing, stakeholder engagement and sequencing ensured teaching, examinations and campus movement could continue uninterrupted. The project provides valuable lessons for RAAC replacement and wider campus renewal programmes, where new interventions must be seamlessly integrated into live educational environments.