We have created a modern landmark entrance building, whose façade references the character of the adjacent conservation area.

Contrasting brick patterns echo Victorian aesthetics while maintaining a distinctly civic presence to identify the school and the Girls’ Day School Trust.

Alongside a secure entrance for students, the new building includes daylight-flooded classrooms and two dedicated maker spaces, fully equipped for design and technology.

The Victorian lodge will be transformed into a bright new sixth-form centre. The addition to the non-designated heritage asset is modern but respectful and reflects the playful forms of the original.

The existing lodge fabric will be upgraded to meet modern building standards and minimise the amount of operational energy consumption over future years as part of a holistic whole-life carbon strategy. By reusing existing structures, we will save an estimated 20% of upfront embodied carbon compared to the equivalent area of new build.

Sydenham has a rich history of wooded commons, which is reflected in the landscape design. A verdant mix of mature trees and shrub planting surrounds the suitably scaled buildings, while new planting will increase biodiversity across the entire site.

Terracing and grass slopes between the buildings will provide plentiful external spaces for students to relax and socialise, contributing to the well-being of both students and staff.