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.