N Family Nursery, East Dulwich

Project Overview:

This complex 7-month project involved the complete strip-out and refurbishment of a listed former social space in East Dulwich, transforming it into a state-of-the-art children’s nursery. With the building holding significance both architecturally and historically, careful consideration was required throughout to preserve its character while delivering a full modernisation.

Project Highlights:

1. Challenging Location: With no rear access to the site, logistics were managed tightly from the street frontage, requiring precise delivery coordination and site management.
2. Listed Building & Planning Constraints: A range of planning conditions and heritage requirements had to be met, influencing both the construction methodology and material selection across the project.
3. Specialist Crane Lift: A full weekend road closure was secured to carry out a large-scale crane lift of new ventilation and heating systems, executed safely and to programme.
4. Building Envelope Upgrades: External works included a new roof, full window and door replacements, and upgrades to the façade – delivered in line with conservation guidelines.
5. Full Interior Transformation: Internally, the space was completely reimagined to suit the needs of a modern early years facility, incorporating new M&E, bespoke joinery, child-safe finishes, and high-spec classroom spaces.

Conclusion:

This project showcases SB Construction’s ability to sympathetically refurbish heritage buildings while delivering high-performance modern facilities. Through close collaboration with planners, careful logistical coordination, and expert execution, we delivered a fully compliant, high-quality nursery that balances historical preservation with the needs of the local community.