Working for the Laurus Trust, we were tasked with creating an extension for a building that was opened in 2019 but already reaching its student capacity. The extensions’ primary deliverable was SEND focused additional teaching space. Upon completion, the extension’ provided the school with 2 additional classrooms alongside an IT suite and due to an efficient use of the space we were able to incorporate an office for staff as well. This was included to improve monitoring and staff presence in this part of the school.

When designing the extension, a key consideration was the location of the building being surrounded by various external spaces that are actively used by students. The decision to create the extension above ground level afforded the school the ability to provide additional teaching space without detracting from areas students actively use. The determination to position the extension opposite the schools ‘snack shack’ was the optimal solution as it resulted in the extension doubling as a canopy for students to use.

Due to the extension being located near the schools existing 3G pitch we closely collaborated with Sport England to make the planning process as efficient as possible and minimise impacting the facilities on site.

This project required careful planning with a bespoke and innovative approach to dealing with the project construction overlapping with the schools’ scheduled term time, as a result practical CDM led solutions were put in place to address and mitigate any risk to both students and construction staff. The site was established to balance the needs of the school without compromising the safety of students and staff alike.  

Externally to ensure the space aligned with the rest of the building, materials were chosen to allow the extension to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings.

Internally the final design provided classrooms that were adaptable and suitable for both conventional teaching as well as specialised SEND lessons, this included enhanced acoustic treatment to minimise external distractions when lessons are taking place.