Net-Zero SEND Facility and Community Building for Allen Edwards Primary

Allen Edwards Primary School approached TG Escapes in 2021 with the ambition to enhance their Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. Initially envisaged as a standalone double classroom, the project evolved into a more integrated and ambitious design that combined SEN teaching spaces with flexible facilities for therapy and community use.

The Site

Allen Edwards is a relatively new-build school, constructed following the demolition of the former building. TG Escapes’ structure now sits on an area of the playground that was previously home to raised beds and garden sheds, located close to where part of the original school once stood. While the site itself was straightforward, working within a live school environment required careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption and ensure safety throughout the build.

The Solution

TG Escapes provided a full turnkey service, managing every stage from initial concept and planning to final delivery. The finished building demonstrates the value of this end-to-end approach, with a thoughtful layout and seamless integration into the existing school environment.

The 248.7m² building includes:

• Two purpose-built SEN classrooms, each with breakout rooms, a shared kitchen, and accessible toilet facilities
• Studio spaces for therapeutic work and small group interventions, which can also be hired by the wider community
• External toilets serving the playground, improving accessibility during outdoor use

To address the sloping nature of the site, TG Escapes employed a raft foundation and raised the building at the school-facing end. This was finished in brick slips, creating a smart and sympathetic visual detail that enhances the overall design.

Sustainability and Design Features

As with all TG Escapes projects, sustainability and wellbeing were central to the design. The building includes a range of features that support both environmental targets and the specific needs of SEN learners.

• Solar panels and air source heat pumps contribute to long-term energy efficiency
• Sustainably sourced cedar cladding adds a warm, natural aesthetic
• Three sun pipes bring natural light deep into the building, complemented by full-height glazing and open views to the outdoors
• Exposed timber and natural materials throughout the interior promote a calm, biophilic environment

Acoustic insulation between spaces was enhanced to minimise sound transfer, supporting focus and reducing sensory overload

Student Engagement

At Allen Edwards Primary School, it was important to involve students in the development of their new SEN building. To give them a hands on understanding of the project, the TG Escapes team organised a day of multiple site visits.

Different classes took turns visiting the site, meeting the site team, and exploring the space as construction was underway. Each group had the chance to see how the building was being designed to support their needs and ask questions about the project.

The students’ enthusiasm and engagement showed how valuable it was for them to be part of the process. This initiative helped create a stronger connection between the students and the project, ensuring the final space would reflect their needs and the school’s vision.

Nicola Harris, Deputy Headteacher reports: “We couldn’t recommend TG Escapes more highly. The final build is of such a high standard and is perfect for our needs. We love the design and how well it works on our current site. The whole team were very professional and built good relationships with the school team. All of the team ensured that the work had minimal impact on the whole school environment.

Communication with all members of the team was excellent. The initial contractor we spoke with, Ben, ensured that throughout the design process, he supported us with our adaptations to ensure the build met all of our requirements. Through regular check-ins throughout the funding process, he continued to check in and support us in adapting the project even when we expanded it to an additional classroom!

Our project manager, Clive, went above and beyond during the build to ensure progress and answer all of our queries. It really did feel like the whole team couldn’t have done more to help throughout.

I would highly recommend TG Escapes and we would use them for future projects.”