The Alec Reed Academy (formerly The West London Academy), in Northolt, Ealing, originally designed by Norman Foster, has recently opened two new extensions, both designed by Architects Co-Partnership.

‘The Arc’ is a new single storey building consisting of a new 105 place Nursery, classrooms and flexible learning spaces.

“The Quad” houses new Design and Technology facilities, Art and Textile Studios, a variety of General Teaching and ICT spaces, and “the Zeppelin”, a bright red pod accommodating a new Media Centre facility, “floating” in the centre of the Quad.

Hilary Macaulay, the Principal of the Alec Reed Academy said “The Academy is delighted with the clarity of vision and efficiency of ACP. The Quad and Zeppelin have helped to set new standards for our 21st century learning environment.”

The new buildings have achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and both are constructed from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Other sustainable/renewable features include a green sedum roof on The Arc and an array of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the existing academy building.

The contractor was Kier, the construction cost £9.6 million, and the extensions were completed in August 2012, ready for the new school year.