Case Study
Classrooms at Danesfield Manor in Surrey – Video
2011: Our 500th building
Less than ten years into our journey we completed work on our 500th building, this stunning project for Danesfield Manor School, designed around establishing a connection with nature for students. As each building we produce starts with a bespoke design, we are able to collaborate with everyone from specialist schools like Danesfield Manor, to independent schools and state schools.
We designed and built Danesfield Manors a beautiful space that motivated learning, connected children with nature and helped them understand sustainability & the environment.
Danesfield Manor School is a non-selective independent school for pupils aged 2-11, located on a quiet residential road between Hersham and Walton on Thames. It combines small class sizesĀ and individual attention with a teaching approach that motivates children to be excited about learning. Children go on to obtain places at some of theĀ best independent schools in the area.Ā Danesfield Manor School is owned byĀ CfBT Education Trust, a not-for-profit organisation of international standing in the world of education.
A large development at Danesfield Manor School has recently seen environmentally friendly classrooms built on the school grounds, providing an inspiring environment for learning and allowing free-flow play for the younger children from indoors to outside.
WhyĀ didĀ youĀ wantĀ toĀ developĀ anĀ ecoĀ classroom?
We are fortunate enough at Danesfield Manor School to have school grounds with plenty of space. However, we felt that we could do more to take advantage of the outdoor environment at the school. We decided that we wanted to plan an innovative and environmentally friendly development that would include new classrooms. These classrooms would be designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and be a sustainable investment for the school’s future.
WhatĀ wereĀ theĀ keyĀ elementsĀ thatĀ made TG EscapesĀ standĀ outĀ fromĀ theĀ otherĀ providers?
We were aware that the development at Danesfield Manor School was a big task but TG Escapes didn’t hesitate to detail exactly how they could design and plan our classrooms. The team were very enthusiastic about introducing a range of eco-friendly features to our school, including solar panels, and were keen to work alongside staff and pupils. The health and safety of our children were considered at every stage: the auto-mist sprays that switch on in the event of fire were particularly innovative.
WhatĀ areĀ theĀ biggestĀ benefitsĀ youāveĀ noticedĀ forĀ theĀ children?
Mrs Chalmers, the Principal, said āgiving the children a new setting to learn in has had a big impact on their motivation. Working amongst natural surroundings has enhanced the imagination and creativity we pride ourselves on applying to teaching and learning.Ā Talking to the pupils about the eco-friendly features of the building has been a great way to teach them about sustainability and the environment. We know that pupils at the school for years to come will be able to enjoy this developmentā.
