FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY: Special School Community Building Design

We’ve been working closely with Victoria School on the design of a new family centre to provide educational and community facilities. Having been commissioned to undertake a feasibility study exploring both new-build and refurbishment options, the brief was developed closely with the school to produce a building that makes best use of limited space and a restricted budget. The layout is flexible and has been carefully organised around practical storage requirements and multi-use rooms.

The centre will provide a community and play room which doubles as a training and meeting facility. In addition to this a ‘one to one' room, office spaces and specialist changing/hygiene facilities and ancillary accommodation are to

be provided. Whilst creating a valuable community asset the new centre will give the school additional learning provision for post 17 students with special educational needs and disability, allowing development of their independent living skills.

As an annex to the main school and to maximise the use of the site the concept design proposals include external landscaped areas and a nature zone linking to the natural spring pond adjacent to the building.

The project has recently received client approval to progress to full design.