Foulds School Library, Byng Road, Barnet, EN5 4NR
Schoold development
Construction fee: Undisclosed

The library is a school extension with a difference. Fourthspace worked closely with the Foulds School to produce a practical design that answered the design brief and transformed an existing internalised outdoor courtyard. Involving the children, Fourthspace ran a writing workshop and a short story competition, with the winning story now transposed onto the external walls as a poetic reminder of storytelling.

The building is steel frame construction with a lightweight roof with a folded pitch to maximise natural light. Large folding doors allow the space to be expanded into the courtyard in summertime for storytelling to larger groups. One of the key features is the finished plywood ceiling where a ‘sky at night’ constellation of lights illuminates.

“A year ago I stood here and looked up at the stars, tonight I stand here and look up at the stars”
Samantha Jayasuriya, Head of School.