Chelsea Academy
Gallery
In Brief

Client:
Department for Education and Chelsea Academy Trust

Location:
London

Construction value:
£35,000,000

Completion:
September 2010

Chelsea Academy is situated on a very constrained site in Lots Road, Chelsea. Sponsored by the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS) and The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it provides world-class education for approximately 800 pupils in years 7 to 11 and 250 students in the sixth form.

The Academy specialises in the Sciences and it is intended that this will be assisted by the development of close links with the museums, universities and similar institutions that are located in the Royal Borough.

The design provides identity, flexibility and an inspirational educational environment. The building design responds to the constrained nature of this urban site and the requirement for highly adaptable spaces to provide for future flexibility. It incorporates a range of sustainable principles including optimising natural light and thermal mass. A series of diverse spaces supports a range of teaching and research methods with lightwells providing a feeling of openness.

Selected Awards

2012 Civic Trust Award: Commendation

2012 Civic Trust Award: Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Inclusive Design: Shortlisted

2011 Building Award: Public Building of the Year: Winner

2011 RIBA Award: Winner 

2011 BCSE Award: Excellence in Design for Teaching and Learning: Highly Commended

2011 New London Award: Learning: Shortlisted

Quote Image
"Classical simplicity both within it's location and among current school designs."
Stafford Critchlow Architecture Today, Building Study October 2010
"Superb creative use of space and light."
Charlotte Harrison Vice Principal, Chelsea Academy
"The Academy is cleverly designed with its large spaces and fantastic use of light."
Alex Kinsman Year 8 student & Head Boy, Chelsea Academy
Drawings
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