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 an exciting competition that gave us a chance to explore ideas for a joyful and uplifting learning environment for young children.
The intended site sloped steeply. We took advantage of that to create a light-filled, generous spine down the hill. On each of the four floors, spaces can be easily reconfigured for learning and play, and open onto green play decks.
We proposed a predominantly timber structure to increase the sustainable credentials of the building and to create a warm and natural learning environment. On past projects 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.
