Thomas Tallis School opened in autumn 2012.John McAslan + Partners' design for this South London secondary school creates a sequence of buildings arranged around a central concourse which is intended as the heart of the scheme and the focus for student life.
The school has a performing arts block, a sports centre with Olympic training facilities used for the 2012 London Olympics, specialist teaching facilities and three main teaching blocks. Imaginatively landscaped space between the teaching blocks creates informal and dynamic teaching areas linked to the central concourse.
The open space connecting the main hall and the performing arts area also provides public access for local people using the school’s public facilities. The school is keen to develop community links and provide community learning programmes together with a range of other public services.
The school's two- and three-storey buildings are naturally ventilated, with high levels of natural light, with a predicted BREEAM 'Very Good' rating.
The school's landscape scheme is intended as an extension of the educational programme.
Set within a rolling pastoral landscape are outdoor classrooms, footpaths, sports pitches, trim trails, and a native species arboretum. Careful consideration has been given to rainwater harvesting, with a stormwater management canal used as a water feature in front of the building.
