The proposed site was an existing secure external space, defined by a curved wall.  The new building replicated this, creating a landmark which defines the arrival point for the school.

The design seeks to balance the highly functional biophilic space internally with carefully positioned windows for children’s needs, as well as environmental control. Timber lined internal walls and a polished robust concrete floor; with the external visual impact of timber cladding wrapping around the front are intended to provide a rustic natural texture with ‘hit and miss’ style timber cladding and hints of colour to the window reveals.  The entrance at the rear of the building uses a timber canopy providing shelter and brickwork envelope for robustness.

We achieved Passivhaus level energy efficiency with low u-values and an airtight building to reduce heating demands, green roof to reduce water flow during heavy rainfall and to promote biodiversity.

Due to the complexities of the build with a live SEND school site, we explored Modern Methods of Construction and went with the BlokBuild System.  This is a timber structural insulated shell using 3D modelling and computer algorithms.  Block cassettes are manufactured to micro tolerances using CNC technology in a controlled factory environment, transported to site and manually installed. No steel was used within the framing of this large 60m2 space.