Studio DERA Transforms former Swimming Pool into Learning Hub
Studio DERA has repurposed a former school swimming pool into a sustainable multi-purpose learning and wellbeing space for Waltham Forest College in London. With the college rapidly expanding its student body, finding new ways to accommodate educational and extracurricular needs was a priority. Studio DERA had already run a sustainable materials workshop for WFC students, while building a hempcrete and timber community center and nursery in nearby Higham Hill. College Principal & CEO Janet Gardner, invited Studio DERA directors Max Dewdney and Marcel Rahm to reimagine the long disused swimming pool site and do a feasibility study. The architects decided that retrofitting the original structure and utilising natural materials was the most sustainable and efficient way to transform the space into an attractive and inspiring hub for students and staff. A RIBA Stage 2 Report and a strong design narrative that aligned with the college’s estate strategy resulted in a successful funding bid to the Department for Education.
From the outset, Studio DERA’s work was shaped by ongoing consultations with educators, curriculum leaders, facilities managers, and students. The architects ran a series of workshops and engagement sessions to test spatial strategies, technical requirements, and user priorities. This informed key elements of the final design, including the subdivision of the Pool into zones, the use of biophilic and acoustic elements, and the inclusion of a stage and IT suite. Balancing architectural ambition with operational need, Studio DERA worked closely with the college to coordinate infrastructure upgrades and ensure long-term adaptability and maintainability with the installation of a new renewable energy system. The project was completed in 48 weeks, but fine-tuning continues post-completion, based on real-time user feedback from students and staff. The result is a versatile, welcoming, and light-filled space of 994 sqm.
all images courtesy of Studio DERA
Light, Material, and Adaptability Anchor Pool’s Adaptive Redesign
The Pool has five learning zones, each tailored to support a range of teaching styles and group sizes. A raised stage positioned at the former pool’s deep end creates a focal point for lectures, performances, and assemblies. Beneath it, a new IT room cleverly uses the original pool depth to deliver a high-performance digital learning infrastructure. The original high-level windows were cut down to the external floor level, dramatically increasing the natural light. Studio DERA installed integrated window seating along the old pool concourse, and fixed desks around the perimeter of the former pool tank for study and small group work. To increase thermal performance to meet DfE standards, triple-glazed windows were installed, along with insulation of both external and internal walls, and new insulated pipework. Operational energy use is expected to fall significantly thanks to air source heat pumps, mixed-mode ventilation, and LED lighting.
Material choices were guided by principles of low embodied carbon, durability, and circularity, and include FSC-certified timber, recycled acoustic panels, and low-VOC finishes. ‘We wanted the Pool to be an inspiring and practical space that elevates student learning and staff functionality, and, above all, brings joy. We were really keen to show just what is architecturally possible in the education sector, which is so often sadly under-funded and under-prioritized. Janet Gardner at Waltham Forest College was a visionary leader for this project, and together with our great contractors, we’ve delivered an ambitious, design-led and sustainable hub which puts the user experience front and center,’ shares Max Dewdney, Studio DERA’s director architect.
Studio DERA transforms a disused school swimming pool into a multi-purpose learning space in London
the space is divided into five learning zones to accommodate varied teaching styles and group sizes
the design prioritizes natural materials and low embodied carbon construction methods
retrofitting the original pool structure minimized waste and preserved the site’s existing framework
expanded windows bring daylight deep into the interior, enhancing visibility and comfort
integrated seating along the pool’s former edge encourages informal study and collaboration
a raised stage at the pool’s deep end forms a focal point for lectures, assemblies, and performances
fixed desks line the perimeter, offering flexible spaces for group and individual work
the project features FSC-certified timber, recycled acoustic panels, and low-VOC finishes
the project supports Waltham Forest College’s expanding educational and wellbeing programs
The Pool stands as an example of how adaptive reuse can renew educational architecture sustainably
project info:
name: The Pool
architect: Studio DERA
location: London, UK
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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