Location:
Coventry, UK
Completion Date:
December, 2017
Client:
Coventry City Council
Project Value:
£9.2m
Services:
We worked alongside the authority and school to develop a detailed design brief that interprets the design guidelines in a manner that meets the requirements of the existing pupils and is in line with the strategic development of SEND provision within the authority.
The brief required the building and grounds to create an education campus on the site by linking to the existing primary and secondary schools, whilst also acting as one of four specialist hubs for SEND within the city.
I wanted to thank all at IDP- firstly for the amazing new school you have designed for us but also for the way in which you have maintained the child focus throughout, with a priority on what is the best for every child in our school. I personally have also felt totally supported by IDP staff in understanding what has been an entirely new process; I have been into school again today and am absolutely delighted with the amazing opportunities it is going to offer our children, their families and staff. It has exceeded everything I could have ever dreamt for. Head Teacher, Tiverton School
The design and layout of the new school encompassed the core briefing requirements developed at the outset – we also created a parkland style campus, access to the historic woodlands and a rural barn aesthetic to the feature elevation, a new nursery and opportunity for neighbour interaction through new community garden areas.
We designed the largest new SEND school in the local area, whilst ensuring an intimacy in scale of spaces and connection to the outside environment, in keeping with the schools aspirations for the pupils. Subtle use of colour, texture, signage, views to outside have created simple wayfinding and in turn provides a calming environment for all at the school.
Other building features ensured optimal functionality including: a swimming pool for community use and school hydrotherapy activities, hall spaces, full cook kitchens, zoned key stage learning areas, large accessible equipment storage areas, sensory rooms, life skills spaces, separate vehicle and pedestrian entrances, connectivity to adjacent schools whilst maintaining a secure environment, canopied play areas and mini-bus drop off points.
The find out more about our Architectural Services, click here.
The scheme has already generated large interest in our design solutions from other local authorities, and has been delivered on programme and under the agreed budget. Successfully working alongside the existing schools on the campus to ensure minimal short term disruption whilst achieving the best long term solution for integration of the schools into one campus.
Our mission was to create a modern SEND teaching and learning environment with the ability to link directly to the adjacent primary and secondary schools to share best practice whilst engaging with the local community and becoming a regional hub for SEND excellence.
