Richmond Montessori

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Full service over two phases including listed building consents. 2023-4.

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Client: Riverside Nurseries

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Kimbell Pike Architects

 

The project involved the conversion of St John’s Studios, an Arts and Crafts grade II listed former church hall in Richmond
into a new nursery school.

The design approach sought to create a consistent language of bespoke interventions using plywood in keeping with the Montessori approach to design favouring natural materials. A series of arched booth elements are arranged along a central spine in the main hall help to organise the space into discreet
zones, breaking down what could be an overwhelming space. The booths can be used as seating niches, storage or to house kitchen facilities.

 

A system of interchangeable partition units, gates and shelving units were developed to provide flexibility in organising the space. Round arches were used as a unifying theme and a series of secluded arched recessed pocket spaces
provide secure areas for children to inhabit.

The former stage area is for more active physical and sensory learning and play frames and slides were installed to encourage physical activity and to provide look out points.