NLCS Ideas Hub and Main Entrance Shortlisted for Education Project of the Year 2026

We are delighted to see the North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Ideas Hub and Main Entrance shortlisted for Education Project of the Year at the 2026 Structural Timber Awards.

Designed by Walters & Cohen Architects, the project forms part of the school's wider masterplan and creates a new entrance and dedicated Ideas Hub for innovation, design, engineering, art and science.

IQ was proud to contribute to the architectural glazing for the project, helping to deliver a contemporary education environment that brings natural light and strong visual connections into the school.

Education Project of the Year

The Structural Timber Awards celebrate outstanding examples of timber construction across the UK, recognising projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and high-quality design.

The NLCS Ideas Hub and Main Entrance is one of ten finalists in the Education Project of the Year category.

The project was developed as part of NLCS's ambitions to create inspiring learning environments while working towards its goal of becoming zero carbon by 2050.

The Ideas Hub provides dedicated spaces for students to explore technology and design, with collaborative areas designed to encourage experimentation, creativity and new ways of working. The new main entrance also provides a secure and welcoming arrival point for students, staff and visitors.

The building wraps around the school's existing Art Building and responds carefully to its surroundings. Its material palette reflects the established character of the school estate, combining brick with the pale Portland stone of the school's Grade II listed Mansion House.

The project has already received recognition at the 2026 Civic Trust Awards, where it was highly commended, as well as being shortlisted for the Education Estates Awards' Inspiring Learning Spaces Award.

We are proud to have contributed to this ambitious education project and wish Walters & Cohen Architects and the wider project team the very best at the Structural Timber Awards.

From expansive glass façades to bespoke architectural features, IQ helps architects and design teams realise their design ambitions through bespoke glazing solutions. Get in touch to discuss your project.

Architect: Walters & Cohen Architects

Photography: Jim Stephenson