Rochester Riverside School

At the heart of Rochester Riverside’s masterplan, a vibrant new chapter unfolds with the development of Rochester Riverside School. This two-storey, 1FE primary school (with 2FE core facilities) bridges modern learning environments with the historical essence of Rochester.

Its innovative design prioritises inclusivity, sustainability, and community enrichment.

The school’s direct social impact stems from its accessibility and focus on holistic development. With its welcoming and safe environment, it empowers children to manage their learning while engaging with nature and creative spaces. External play areas, MUGAs, and flexible teaching zones ensure both physical and mental wellbeing are prioritised. Economically, the project supports local growth, enhancing Rochester Riverside’s appeal to families and investors.

By aligning with Medway Council’s vision, the school strengthens the area’s infrastructure, encouraging sustainable development and long-term prosperity. From an environmental standpoint, every decision – from the material palette to the undercroft car park design – was made to reduce carbon impact. Locally sourced, durable materials like light grey brick and fibre cement cladding complement the Rochester vernacular while ensuring longevity.

Our design approach revolved around spatial efficiency and sustainability. Modular off-site construction was adopted to reduce time on-site, minimise disruption, and cut construction emissions. This method ensured exceptional quality while maintaining cost and schedule certainty. The building’s orientation and glazed features maximise natural daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing energy efficiency.

Landscape design integrates permeable surfaces and green spaces, fostering biodiversity while mitigating surface water runoff. We preserved the site’s natural context, with sensitive placement ensuring the school sits harmoniously within its environment. The reuse of materials and consideration of maintenance requirements further underpin our commitment to sustainability.