In 2022 we entered a competition to design a prep and pre-prep school for a prestigious independent school. The project didn’t go ahead, but it was a fantastic competition that gave us a chance to explore ideas for a joyful and uplifting learning environment for young children.
On a steeply sloping site, the challenge was to make the most of area without losing precious green space. We used the topography to create four platforms stepping down the hill, all linked by a central versatile staircase ‘spine’ connecting the top of the site to the playing fields at the bottom. We’ve worked with biophilic design experts and brought that knowledge to this project, recognising that natural materials and plants affect pupil behaviour and air quality. And happen to look lovely too. Trees and plants grow in the central space, connecting pupils with nature, even on rainy days, and outdoor decks make use of the southerly aspect for learning and play.
Research revolved about sustainability: the local council were committed to being Carbon Neutral by 2030, so our strategy included ground source heat pumps, PVs, SUDS, deep overhangs to the south to avoid overheating and a timber structure, which had almost 30% less embodied carbon than a concrete superstructure – the equivalent of 960 return flights to New York!
