Our client approached us to provide an inspirational design for a new-build preschool building in an existing neighbourhood of new-build houses by Volume Housebuilders.
The site in Bidford-on-Avon, near Stratford upon Avon, was vacant and we saw an opportunity to provide an inspiring building to serve the local community, along with a separate community entrance and community rooms.
We chose for the building to sit on one storey, below the height of the surrounding houses, nestled in the canopy of the surrounding trees. The building form references the houses and industrial buildings around, while it’s clad in timber slats to reflect the surrounding trees, once matured. The building was created using an innovative glulam and curved SIPP panel system, with renewables onsite to help further reduce its carbon footprint.
Each classroom was designed to suit the age of its occupants, and each has large external play spaces. The intention is for the spaces to be inspirational places that the children are proud to visit and be a part of, and hopefully provide a strong footing for their ongoing education.
The Project was carried out in a very short time period. It took just 18 months to design the building, gain the necessary consents, progress into detail, and build – testament to a strong team-working principle.