The British School Rio

The practice designed this award winning low-energy senior school and landscaped environment for The British School in Rio de Janeiro following an international selection process. Prior to its educational opening the long, low building, designed in a classic Modernist style, formed a hub for the British team during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Defined by its narrow linear footprint and porte cochère entrance, the building’s teaching spaces have open deck areas and accommodation clusters are stacked, with circulation routes and core areas in the voids between classrooms. There are also landscaped outdoor classroom areas and a sports hall designed to Sport England specifications, which doubles as a valuable multi-use space for the school’s 1,200 students. A 25m open-air swimming pool is partially protected by the cantilevered floor of the building above it, which completes this unique and expressive multi-use teaching facility.  

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'The design by John McAslan + Partners follows our original brief for facilities that are fit for purpose, as well as being iconic and memorable. The students, staff and parents love the openness of the campus, appreciating the details which have resulted in an impressive statement for our school.'

John Nixon, Director, The British School, Rio de Janeiro

'The new building is beautiful – it creates a really comfortable, modern work space.'

Julia, Student

'It is an amazingly organised building and a great place for our community here at The British School.'

Giulia, Student

'The new building and I are just friends.'

Anon, Student