# Updated School Innovation Wings The Rosalind Franklin Wing Fuses Historic Form with Timber Design By Amy Duong | Published 2025-07-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rosalind-franklin-wing References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2025/07/15/jestico-whiles-historic-school-modern-take-rosalind-franklin-wing/)  The Rosalind Franklin Wing bridges historic form with timber design at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London. It is designed by [Jestico + Whiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-gray-school), the new extension pairs a sensitive Edwardian retrofit with a bold, [mass-timber addition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koffler-scientific-reserve). Its exterior nods to campus heritage through red brick, Portland stone, and zinc roofing, while interiors introduce glazed walkways and a double-height, skylit central space that encourages movement and community. The Rosalind Franklin Wing supports project-based learning with immersive studios, [flexible classrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collge-reinemarie), and maker labs—each framed by exposed glulam timber and visible services to model sustainable construction. As the first phase in a wider masterplan, the project enhances accessibility, reduces embodied carbon, and celebrates legacy through future-ready architecture, merging educational purpose with contextual elegance. Image Credit: Killian O'Sullivan ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 46% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Educational Architecture:** The use of mass-timber and sustainable construction techniques in educational buildings promotes eco-friendly design and reduced embodied carbon. - **Heritage-inspired Modernization:** Integrating modern elements with historic architectural forms creates dynamic spaces that respect cultural heritage while catering to contemporary needs. - **Flexible Learning Environments:** Adaptable classroom designs enable project-based learning and collaboration, fostering more effective educational experiences. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Timber Construction:** Mass-timber construction is gaining momentum as a sustainable and efficient building solution within the architectural industry. - **Educational Facility Design:** Innovative school design focuses on creating immersive and flexible environments that enhance learning and community interaction. - **Historical Preservation in Architecture:** Merging modern building techniques with historic preservation offers a unique niche for architects in balancing tradition and innovation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tropical Timber Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oceana-innovation-hub-school.md) - [Education Architecture Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-international-school.md) - [Timber Research Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-timberlands.md) - [Mass-Timber Education Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-w-boyer-center.md) - [Flint Science Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rausing-science-centre.md) - [Community-Made Eco Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolves-lane-centre.md) - [Pool Reinvention Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waltham-forest-college.md) - [Sustainable Educational Architecture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-educational-architecture.md) - [Wood-Lined London Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lea-bridge-library.md)