aberrant architecture has completed the interior redesign of rosemary works school in hackney, east london. as part of a major investment of the educational institution’s infrastructure, the practice worked alongside teachers, parents and pupils to develop a vibrant and coherent environment for the building’s occupants.

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
the practice worked alongside teachers, parents and pupils to develop a coherent environment
all images © simon kennedy, courtesy of aberrant architecture

 

 

rather than juxtaposing contrasting design elements, aberrant architecture’s scheme pursues a policy of continuity by borrowing features from the building’s past as a base to work from. internal walls are divided into specified sections, allowing different portions to be used in for a range of activities.

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
rather than juxtaposing contrasting design elements, the scheme pursues a policy of continuity

 

 

reveals and nooks such as window seats are inserted at specific points, creating private zones for intimate areas of study as well as forming centerpiece features with a decorative focus. offering flexibility for the future, major aspects of the design have been implemented as a modular kit of parts enabling the further expansion and adaptation of the school.

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
major aspects of the design have been implemented as a modular kit of parts – enabling future expansion

 

 

our concept pursues a policy of continuity, borrowing features from the building’s past that are appropriate for the school’s present needs, explained david chambers, co-founder of aberrant architecture. ‘so, our first task was to unpick the building’s history, understanding its original late-edwardian design principles and features, as well as the subsequent ad-hoc additions added to the interiors over the succeeding years.’

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
reveals and nooks, such as window seats, are inserted at specific points

 

 

kevin haley – the firm’s other co-founder – adds: ‘we also drew upon the school’s unique location on the regent’s canal. for instance, a fleet of mobile ‘canal barge’ structures occupy multiple spaces around the school. each barge contains interactive elements and will be able to support a wide variety of different learning activities.’

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
toilets throughout the design are vibrant and brightly colored

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
color-coded circulation routes

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
light hung within the stairwell

aberrant architecture rosemary works school london designboom
internal walls are divided into specified sections

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