Studio Dera, co-founded by Architecture BSc Year 1 Co-Director Max Dewdney, took on the retrofit project for Waltham Forest College in East London. The brief was to transform a neglected swimming pool into a flexible, low-carbon Teaching & Learning Space to accommodate a fast-growing student body.

In their approach to the project, Studio Dera balanced sustainability with a desire to maintain aspects of the pool’s original form. They exposed the roof of the structure, and created the new open plan layout of the space around the original footprint of the pool, while selecting materials for their durability and circularity, and prioritising low embodied carbon.

Photograph of the old, empty swimming pool

The London-based practice co-designed the new space with staff and students, hosting workshops around spatial strategies, technical requirements and the needs of the users.

The new open plan layout supports a wide range of uses – from collaborative teaching and independent study to performances, conferences, and exams. A multi-level stage with an IT room built in beneath it; adaptable furniture and dedicated desk space; enlarged windows and acoustic curtains; and biophilic elements all create an uplifting, healthy environment that fosters wellbeing and focus.

Photo of new teaching & learning space taken through sliding glass doors
Wide view of the new space

The project, completed this year, has already gathered recognition across the industry. This week it was 'Highly Commended' in the Inspiring Learning Spaces category at the Education Estates Award. It has also been shortlisted for two awards: an NLA Award, in the Education category (winners announced on 20 November), and an AJ Higher Education project (winners announced on 27 November).

Max Dewdney is an Associate Professor at The Bartlett, and Co-Director of Architecture BSc Year 1. He co-founded Studio Dera with Marcel Rahm in 2020. He has also taught at the University of Greenwich.

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Images: Lorenzo Zandri