Achieving planning permission in a sensitive context, this extension to a highly successful preparatory school in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, opened in September 2013. Set around a new landscape courtyard, the new hall and four classrooms give space for PE, assemblies, performances and learning. Low-cost environmental and structural strategies ensure simplicity of construction and operation. The roof pitch is used to drive cross-ventilation in classrooms and draught lobbies protect the classrooms from wind and low temperatures. The structure is almost entirely timber. Classrooms are built with a softwood timber frame and laminated timber roof beams. The hall uses laminated timber beams, and both buildings are clad in warm-coloured and long-lasting cedar boards.