Dulwich College’s Lower School Library: A year on from award-winning success
- 16th October 2026
One year on from its Education Estates award win, Dulwich College’s Lower School Library continues to showcase how thoughtful design, careful project management and a collaborative approach can create inspiring learning environments for the next generation.
Dulwich College’s Lower School Library project has transformed the school’s learning facilities with the creation of a new, purpose-built Knowledge Exchange, bringing together a contemporary library and ICT classrooms in a welcoming, modern environment.
The project forms part of the College’s wider vision to enhance its Lower School, improving both the learning experience for pupils and the arrival experience from College Road. Its success was recognised at the Education Estates Awards, highlighting the value of a collaborative approach to delivering high-quality educational environments.
For Quantem, the project represents an example of how effective cost advise and project management can help turn an ambitious vision into a practical, high-performing space, delivered within the constraints of a busy, operational school campus.
Creating a new space for learning
The first phase of the project involved demolishing the existing temporary library and ICT building and replacing it with the new Knowledge Exchange. The purpose-built facility provides modern library and ICT spaces, supported by carefully considered internal layouts, bespoke furniture, fixed desks, shelving and a dedicated reception area.
The building incorporates a steel frame, piled foundations, brick-clad external walls and extensive glazing, alongside new mechanical and electrical services, a lift and accessible facilities. External works, service infrastructure and landscaping were also delivered as part of the project.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the design. The building was developed around Passivhaus principles, with a target for operational energy use of 60kWh/m²/year and an upfront embodied carbon target of 500kgCO₂e/m², supporting the ambition to create an energy-efficient, lower-carbon learning environment.
The Knowledge Exchange also forms part of a wider masterplan for the Lower School, which includes a second phase to enhance the existing 1948 building. Planned improvements include upgraded external cladding, a double-height circulation space, a wellbeing suite, a multipurpose hall, refurbished classrooms and a new connecting corridor.
Delivering within a live school environment
Working within an occupied school presented a number of logistical and programme challenges. Construction had to be carefully planned and coordinated to minimise disruption to the College’s day-to-day activities, while maintaining progress against the project’s budget, programme and quality objectives.
A phased construction strategy was central to achieving this. Phase 1 was completed in time for the school’s September 2023 opening, ensuring the new facilities were ready to welcome pupils at the start of the academic year.
Achieving this milestone required close collaboration between the College, design team, contractor and wider project stakeholders. Careful coordination, proactive cost management and a clear focus on the programme helped maintain alignment between the project’s ambitions and the practical demands of construction on a live campus.
Looking back and looking ahead
One year on from its Education Estates award win, the Dulwich College Lower School Library project remains a strong example of the role that well-managed investment can play in shaping educational environments.
The new Knowledge Exchange reflects the College’s commitment to providing modern, adaptable spaces that support learning, collaboration and the effective use of technology. It also demonstrates the importance of balancing design ambition and sustainability objectives with the practical realities of delivering construction projects within existing school estates.
For Quantem, the project highlights the value of a collaborative, integrated approach to project management and cost consultancy , helping clients navigate complexity, maintain financial control and deliver facilities that support their long-term educational ambitions.
Congratulations to Dulwich College and everyone involved in the project on this achievement.
