City of London KPMG Academy, Hackney

The City Academy, sponsored by the City of London Corporation and KPMG, opened its doors to its first year intake of 210 students on the 3rd September 2009. A striking contemporary building that has been delivered on time and to budget by a fully partnered team led by the City of London's, City Surveyor’s Department, Studio E Architects and Willmott Dixon. The challenges of a tight programme and complex site have been successfully met, whilst implementing an exemplar programme of "young client" engagement with the participation of the Sorrell Foundation.

A colourful glassy school ribbon, woven through clusters of mature existing trees, faces the sensitive Clapton Square Conservation Area and grade II listed Sutton House across Homerton High Street. As with all our projects, a strong sustainable approach has driven a concept that has reconciled aspirations, site issues and environmental performance. This includes passive environmental measures that rely on high standards of daylight and natural ventilation. A glass secondary façade assists with dealing with noise generated by heavy traffic along the street frontage. A strong sustainable strategy has delivered a BREEAM rating just short of excellent.


BCSE Awards Inspiring Design, Academy 2010


Green Apple Environmental Award 2010


Shortlisted RIBA London Awards 2010


Shortlisted BCSE Awards, Sustainable School of the Year 2010


Shortlisted RICS Award 2010


CIBSE Low Carbon Performance Awards, New Build of the Year 2010


Shortlisted CIBSE Low Carbon Performance Awards, Energy Performance Certificate of the Year 2010


Shortlisted Building Magazine Award, Public Building Project of the Year 2010


Shortlisted Sustainable City Awards, Sustainable Building 2010


Shortlisted Civic Trust Award 2010

  • Client: DCSF/City of London/KPMG
  • Value: £30.0 million
  • Completion Date: August 2009

Image of City of London KPMG Academy, Hackney
Quote: Gordon Brown

Elan Creative Marketing Web Design Essex