Student centered SEN School

This student-centred scheme supports 60 non-ambulant Special Educational Needs learners aged 16-25, some with severe autism, some using specialist mobility equipment, and others working from adapted beds.

Through considered engagement with the Trust, our design team has ensured every detail is tailored to meet the specific needs of students. The two-storey building allows students to access a broad curriculum and specialist experience spaces such as rebound therapy, a physiotherapy suite, sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, and an extensive life-skills centre. Teaching areas contain hoists to allow students to freely access every space and easily transition between different activities.

We adopted a low carbon, fabric-first environmental approach, to ensure excellent air tightness for the external envelope to help reduce heat loss. The building’s orientation and layout maximise daylight whilst limiting solar gain. A hybrid ventilation system provides a comfortable internal environment, and adverse acoustic effects are minimised. The building is serviced through an all-electric system and harnesses a PV array. It achieved the equivalent of a BREEAM Excellent rating.