1960s classrooms, Crosfield, The Walden School (EHER 81121)

Four new classrooms, named 'Crosfield' after the benefactors of that name and designed by Kenneth Bayes, were added to the South of the Essex Wing (EHER 81120) in 1967. Following structural problems resulting from the use of high alumina cement, Crosfield was closed for repair and refurbishment in 1974.

June 2023. Heritage assessment. Four new classrooms, named 'Crosfield' after the benefactors of that name and designed by Kenneth Bayes, were added to the South of the Essex Wing (EHER 81121) at The Walden School (EHER 81116) in 1967. Following structural problems resulting from the use of high alumina cement, Crosfield was closed for repair and refurbishment in 1974. Kenneth Bayes’ Crosfield Building forms a rectangular two storey structure with large classrooms either side of the entrance stairs (North). The exterior is red brick in English bond with a pitched, tiled roof. Internally the classrooms are plain and utilitarian. Notably, the upper storey has the same arrangement of paired windows and rooflights as the Essex Wing but without creating the airy, light, creative space achieved by its counterpart. This appears to be because of the depth and height of the rooms. Together with the fact that Crosfield stands alone, rather than being integrated into the main school building and its surroundings this creates a contrasting sense of isolation with a darker, less usable interior. <1>