Forest School Pavilion

The site is positioned directly on the picturesque River Lea Navigation – opposite Hackney Marshes Nature Reserve. Initially the learning centre was intended to be mainly used as a base to get changed into waterproof gear and to get ready for expeditions onto the Marshes – as well as a place to store all of the Forest School equipment. We incorporated a small verandah with seating, with a view onto the River, a place to pause and observe both bird and boat life. The building is set in a quiet and formerly disused corner of the playground. The building’s use has evolved over the years and we have since been asked to come back and make a few alterations – including opening up the internal space for larger group learning activities – along with the addition of infrared heaters, extra storage capacity, a work station for lessons, plus a few improvements that were made to the canal-side garden out the back.

Client

Clapton Park Children's Centre

Brief

Create an outdoor learning centre – serving as HQ for the newly-launched Forest School.