Studio DERA has successfully completed an ambitious sustainable renovation project, converting a disused swimming pool into a modern multi-purpose learning and wellbeing facility for Waltham Forest College in London. The 994-square-meter space represents an innovative solution to the college's growing need for additional educational facilities as its student population continues to expand rapidly.
The transformation project emerged from an existing relationship between the architectural firm and the educational institution. Studio DERA had previously conducted sustainable materials workshops for Waltham Forest College students while constructing a hempcrete and timber community center and nursery in the nearby Higham Hill area. This collaboration impressed College Principal and CEO Janet Gardner, who subsequently invited Studio DERA directors Max Dewdney and Marcel Rahm to reimagine the long-abandoned swimming pool site.
The renovation project prioritized sustainable construction methods and materials throughout the design and implementation phases. The architects utilized innovative building materials including hempcrete and timber construction techniques, reflecting their commitment to environmentally conscious architecture. The project incorporated products from several specialized manufacturers, including Cibes Lift for accessibility solutions, Eastside Timber for structural elements, Lindum Turf for landscaping, and Velfac for high-performance windows and doors.
The new facility serves multiple educational and extracurricular functions, addressing the college's diverse programmatic needs within a single adaptable space. The design team carefully considered how to maximize the utility of the former pool area while maintaining the structural integrity of the existing building envelope. The resulting space can accommodate various learning activities, student gatherings, and wellness programs that support both academic achievement and student wellbeing.
The project demonstrates how adaptive reuse can provide cost-effective solutions for educational institutions facing space constraints. By repurposing an existing structure rather than constructing an entirely new building, Waltham Forest College was able to expand its facilities while minimizing environmental impact and construction costs. The swimming pool's generous ceiling height and open floor plan proved ideal for creating flexible learning environments that can be reconfigured based on specific program requirements.
Studio DERA's approach to the project emphasized collaboration with local suppliers and craftspeople, supporting the regional economy while ensuring high-quality construction standards. The Iron Age Metalworks contributed custom metalwork elements, while Style Curtain provided flexible partition solutions that allow the space to be divided for simultaneous activities. Planteria Group handled landscaping elements that connect the interior learning environment with outdoor green spaces.
The completed project, photographed by Lorenzo Zandri, showcases how thoughtful architectural intervention can breathe new life into abandoned institutional spaces. The renovation is expected to serve Waltham Forest College's growing student body for decades to come, providing a model for sustainable educational facility development that other institutions may choose to emulate.
