The newly finished Rosalind Franklin Wing forms the first phase of a masterplan to modernise St Paul’s Girls’ School, combining a sensitive renovation of Edwardian structures with contemporary mass-timber construction to create a sustainable, collaborative learning environment.
Jestico + Whiles has completed the Rosalind Franklin Wing at St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith, marking the first phase of a broader masterplan aimed at modernising the school’s historic Edwardian campus. This new facility combines a deep retrofit of the existing wing with a contemporary mass-timber structure, creating an interdisciplinary, project-based learning environment that fosters collaboration and innovation across departments.
The updated wing is carefully designed to harmonise with the surrounding Grade II-listed buildings, drawing inspiration from their Arts and Crafts stylings while introducing modern architectural elements. Externally, the building features a base of Portland stone and upper levels of red brickwork, topped with a brown zinc standing seam roof punctuated by ventilation chimneys. This approach respects the heritage of the campus without replicating it, using complementary materials and forms such as gabled roofs and chimneys reinterpreted in a contemporary fashion.
Central to the wing’s design is a double-height, skylit gathering space with timber amphitheatre-style seating, serving as a versatile hub for meetings, events, and celebrations. Overlooking this area is the Immersive Studio, which can function both as a glazed exhibition space or an acoustically isolated black box theatre. To the south, a glazed link connects the wing to the 1994 Mercer’s Building, which has undergone renovations to accommodate an IT studio, makerspace, and fabrication area, further supporting the school’s innovative curriculum.
Inside, transparency and sustainability are key themes. Exposed brick walls, timber roof beams, and visible service elements illustrate environmentally responsible design while enabling flexible use of the space. According to Jestico + Whiles, these exposed systems serve an educational purpose by introducing students firsthand to sustainable building principles and the building’s structural and mechanical workings. The wing’s sustainable glulam timber frame and ventilation strategies underpin this ethos, reflecting the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Rosalind Franklin Wing forms part of a wider masterplan that not only enhances teaching facilities but also improves accessibility and circulation across the site. The masterplan includes refurbishments to other listed buildings as well as new staff facilities, all designed to respect the original Edwardian architecture by Gerald Horsley while accommodating the evolving educational needs and wellbeing of students and staff.
The opening of the wing was celebrated as a significant milestone for St Paul’s Girls’ School, affirming its dedication to providing state-of-the-art, creative learning environments that bridge traditional education with future-focused practices. The project exemplifies a sensitive yet bold reworking of a historic school campus, balancing heritage with innovation to create a vibrant, sustainable space for interdisciplinary education.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the official opening of the Rosalind Franklin Wing at St Paul’s Girls’ School on 27 March 2025. ([landuse.co.uk](https://www.landuse.co.uk/news/rosalind-franklin-wing-st-pauls-girls-school/?utm_source=openai)) The article was published on 15 July 2025, making it highly fresh.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Ellis Whitcomb, Deputy Headteacher and Director of Strategic Development at St Paul’s Girls’ School, and Howard Pye, Associate Director at Jestico + Whiles. These quotes are consistent with those found in other reputable sources, such as the Architects’ Journal. ([architectsjournal.co.uk](https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/jestico-whiles-arts-and-crafts-rework-of-st-pauls-girls-school-completes?utm_source=openai)) No discrepancies or variations in wording were noted.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Dezeen, a reputable design and architecture publication. The information aligns with details from Jestico + Whiles’ official website and other reputable sources, confirming the reliability of the information. ([jesticowhiles.com](https://www.jesticowhiles.com/project/rosalind-franklin-wing-st-pauls-girls-school/?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the Rosalind Franklin Wing’s design, features, and opening date are consistent with information from multiple reputable sources, including Jestico + Whiles’ official website and the Architects’ Journal. ([jesticowhiles.com](https://www.jesticowhiles.com/project/rosalind-franklin-wing-st-pauls-girls-school/?utm_source=openai), [architectsjournal.co.uk](https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/jestico-whiles-arts-and-crafts-rework-of-st-pauls-girls-school-completes?utm_source=openai)) The narrative’s language and tone are appropriate for the subject matter, and there are no signs of excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, with no signs of recycled content. Direct quotes are consistent with other reputable sources. The information originates from a reliable publication and aligns with details from Jestico + Whiles’ official website and other reputable sources. The claims are plausible and supported by multiple reputable sources. Therefore, the narrative passes the fact-check with high confidence.
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