We worked with the local authority, teachers, parents and students of the school for ten years in order to realise the project. The school operates over three floors as a result of the site constraints and in order to maximise external play space whilst ensuring the new building met the accommodation space standards for SEND schools. The floors are linked with staircases, lifts and a unique ramped elevated walkway which offers 360 degree views of key areas, enabling the children to be fully integrated into all aspects of school life. The first floor accommodation is cantilevered dramatically over the ground floor along three facades providing much needed covered drop-off, car parking and play space.
The proximity of the site to the neighbouring housing blocks heavily influenced the massing of the building. The building was partially sunk into the ground and the profile of the black zinc roof at second floor level was designed to ensure that the school did not dominate the adjacent buildings. The stainless steel cladding to the first floor consists of perforated panels that spell out ‘LIVITY’ in Braille across the elevation. This ribbon of folded stainless steel panels reflect the leafy surroundings externally and compliment the dark brick and timber curtain walling which feature on the ground and second floors. The building was designed to achieve BREEAM Very Good through high performance standards to provide a comfortable and supportive learning environment. The school was officially opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex on 22nd January 2014.
Photography by Simon Kennedy
Photography by Dennis Gilbert/View
