London based architecture practice Wimshurst Pelleriti has completed the first primary school in the UK to operate outside in both summer and winter. The London school opened in late 2021 while some building work was still underway. Liberty Woodland School is pioneering nature-based learning and teaches environmentalism as a core subject. It aims to reinterpret the way the next generation learns and understands their role in protecting the natural world.

Wimshurst Pelleriti worked in collaboration with the school’s founder, Leanna Barrett, and with landscape designer Dan Pearson, to create a transformational learning environment in the grounds of Grade II listed Morden Lodge. The project includes the first use of a ground source heat pump at a UK education centre, installed by ISO Energy in the River Wandle that runs through the site.

Will Wimshurst of Wimshurst Pelleriti said:

“Our brief was to develop the spaces that exist in between landscape and structures, provide shelter for outdoor learning, and bring nature into the classroom and vice versa, kindling a fascination and a sense of responsibility towards the world that surrounds us. The enthusiasm and knowledge of the first year’s intake is inspiring, and a testament to the success of this approach.”

The school’s extensive grounds accommodate an array of multi-purpose structures which have been adapted into indoor and outdoor learning spaces. They include a two storey artists residence within a 19th century stable block, a pottery studio, an outdoor gallery to exhibit children’s work, a greenhouse, potting shed, artist’s atelier, animal housing, a tool workshop for woodcraft and tinkering, a science lab, as well as both indoor and outdoor “classroom” spaces for project work, music and playing.

The design team has retained and enhanced the existing structures and landscape, as well as introducing new light touch elements, minimising changes to the listed fabric of the Lodge, respecting existing trees and implementing reversible additions such as boardwalks and light timber structures.

Throughout the design, careful attention was paid to minimising the raw materials required for each building and streamlining the structures to achieve maximum efficiency, while also reducing off cut waste by only employing off the shelf lengths and widths.

The detailing of the structures mirrors this with honest connections that create legible and contemporary additions to the parkland, to inspire the children that sustainable design can create harmonious and beautiful buildings for the future.

The material palette comprises sustainably sourced douglas fir timber, weathered corten steel and polycarbonate roofs and verandas, reflecting the agricultural history of the site as an orchard and blending into the simple aesthetic of the outbuildings that surround the listed Lodge building.

Environmentalism is a core subject alongside maths and literacy. Through specialist environmentalist educators, the students explore concepts such as biodiversity, transport, energy, waste, permaculture, and food. Morden Lodge features an environmental dashboard to measure electricity and water consumption in the school. The dashboard is encouraging students to make informed choices to conserve resources beyond their daily sustainable activities of composting of all food waste, rainwater harvesting, re-use or recycling of the majority of the school’s waste, in-house plastic recycling plant and much more.

Founder Leanna Barrett says that “learning to live sustainably and in an environmentally friendly way is an essential skill for the 21st Century and one that can be marginalised no longer. We want our children to grow up to be compassionate citizens who care deeply about the world around them and our focus on environmental education is a significant aspect of achieving this.”

Landscape Designer Dan Pearson echoed her comments saying: “The natural ecology of the site is leading the design process and there will be places for outdoor learning with designated classrooms for each year group, a productive area for growing food, a mini-farm, a nectar garden designed to encourage pollinating insects and an exotic garden to ensure plenty of intrigue. The future of the natural world depends on future generations understanding the processes involved in self-sustaining ecosystems first-hand.”