The Reception Project for Brentwood School provides a new public space for the school and its visitors. Previously entry to the school was circuitous and disorientating and gave no sense of the its character and history. By removing a number of dysfunctional structures we created a space of arrival and orientation. At the same time, a number of historic school buildings were brought into greater visibility.

The scheme is organised around two principal spaces. A landscaped courtyard, enclosed by the existing Edwardian arcade which connects the public entrance with the main reception. This space is focused on the newly revealed east end of the Victorian school chapel. In the reception space a large wooden skylight precisely frames a view of the stained glass east window, whilst curtain walling gives views of the school garden-landscape beyond.

The two themes of history and landscape which characterise Brentwood School are then complemented by a display wall incorporating school art works and videos.