An architectural and construction firm has created an “exciting” addition to a school designed by Sir Christopher Wren more than 300 years ago.
YMD Boon designed the modular classroom for pupils at the Sir John Moore C of E Primary School, in Appleby Magna, south Leicestershire.
It had to take into account the history of the school, which dates back to 1693.
The original building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace, and is now Grade 1 Listed.
YMD Boon, which has 34 employees and operates from offices in Nottingham, Derby, Lincoln and Market Harborough, provided architectural services and project management for the new building, called The Lodge.
It has what the firm calls an “innovative design, respecting and reinforcing the significant heritage of the school”.
Company director Jonathan Warren said: “This has been a thoroughly exciting project and we’ve been proud to work on the development for the school.
“The school has a rich heritage and is an iconic building in the heart of Appleby Magna.
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“To research into the history and take the existing building and context into consideration when looking at the design of the project, was stimulating and rewarding for the project team.
“We are really pleased with the much-needed facility which has been delivered to support local education and how the design married the contemporary and the historic.
“It’s wonderful to see the students enjoying and thriving in their new classroom.”
Headteacher Tae Carpenter said: “As our school is steeped in so much history, this modern-day build has been the first of its kind.
“Our school has been an educational setting, to be proud of, for over 320 years.
“This new space allows the school and its pupils to continue to proudly grow and learn, providing the facilities, resources and learning spaces needed to equip SJM pupils for now and beyond.
“We are so pleased to be able to continue Sir John Moore’s vision and legacy of providing education for all with The Lodge and extremely delighted at how well our pupils have settled in.”
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YMD Boon helped the school to secure funding, before drawing up a plan to build the new block last year.
Discussions took place with conservation and planning officers from the local planning authority, and representatives of Historic England, and plans were submitted last September.
The project was approved shortly afterwards and work began in February.
The new building provides a double classroom for Key Stage 1 children and has been timber-clad to blend into the surrounding woodland and natural environment.
The outside is made from green, low maintenance materials.
Funding came from the Education and Skills Funding Agency and Section 106 money as a result of a new housing development in the village.
It opened just before the summer holidays.