London Dock School

A Landmark in Sustainable Educational Design

Project Overview

Situated within the London Dock residential complex, the academy is a pioneering Passivhaus secondary school, designed to offer exceptional air quality and a minimal environmental footprint. The five-storey, L-shaped building accommodates 1,150 students aged 11 to 19, featuring science laboratories, a multi-use sports hall, and expansive outdoor learning areas.

Engineering Challenges

Building on a constrained urban site in central London presented a series of technical and logistical hurdles. In order to achieve the Passivhaus standards required meticulous planning, precision to provide structural detailing which did not compromise the thermal envelope.

The compact site necessitated innovative design solutions, such as placing the Sports England-compliant sports hall and multi-use games area in a double storey basement, supported by 20m-long steel trusses and plate girders.

Above these facilities, classrooms were designed to accommodate intense student activity while ensuring comfort. Walsh conducted a detailed vibration analysis to ensure the long-span structures met user comfort requirements while minimising material use.

The design team strived to preserve the historic Dock Wall, a significant feature, which was retained and repurposed as part of the entrance zone and extended into the dining hall, blending history with modern functionality.

“Delivering a Passivhaus school on such a constrained urban site required every team member to push the boundaries of design and construction. The success of project is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the design and construction teams, working in harmony with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Mulberry Academy Trust.”
Garreth Joyce, Project Director, Walsh

Sustainability and Technical Innovations

We joined the project at RIBA Stage 3 and carried out a comprehensive value engineering exercise, identifying significant opportunities to enhance the original design. This included:

• Reducing Embodied Carbon: Replacing 300mm reinforced concrete slabs with 225mm post-tensioned slabs, which significantly reduced the structure’s weight and allowed for fewer piles. This contributed to a 30% reduction in embodied carbon.
• Innovative Material Use: Advocating for cement replacements and 56-day strength concrete, making the project an early adopter of this cutting-edge sustainable practice.
• Thermal Envelope Coordination: Collaborating with Passivhaus specialists Architype to ensure an unbroken thermal envelope and airtight facade construction, achieving Passivhaus certification.

 

The value engineering process not only reduced the building’s environmental impact but also supported a faster construction timeline and aligned with the client’s sustainability goals.

Result

The completion of the school marks a significant milestone in sustainable educational design, providing first-class facilities to the local borough. The school offers outstanding facilities, including flexible learning spaces, a roof terrace, games courts, and external recreational areas, ensuring it meets the needs of current and future generations.

It is a cutting-edge secondary school that aligns with the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. By prioritising whole-life carbon reductions, sustainable design principles, and historical integration, Mulberry Academy London Dock exemplifies how thoughtful engineering and collaboration can set a new standard for future educational projects and provide positive impact on the community.

“The school offers a beautiful and welcoming learning environment, filled with fresh air, natural light, natural materials, and surrounded by greenery. Ultimately, we hope that Mulberry Academy will become a civic beacon in Tower Hamlets, making a positive impact on the community and its students.”
Rory Martin, Senior Architect, Architype

Awards and Recognition

The academy’s design excellence was recognised with the prestigious 2024 Brick Award in the Education category. Judges praised the project for its ability to reflect the area’s rich history while delivering a high-quality, sustainable, and contemporary educational facility.

CGI OF SPORTS HALL