All of the above can contribute to a student’s poor mental health, as well as exacerbating pre-existing conditions, such as autism or anxiety.
With students spending so much of their time at school or college, we believe that their learning environment should support positive mental health wherever possible, and we’re on a mission to make that happen.
Improving mental health through inclusion
Every pupil deserves a school that caters seamlessly to their needs. We design buildings that are Part M-compliant from inception, with lift access, wide hallways and accessibility considerations built in as standard, meaning no child has to worry about getting full access to their school.
But we know that along with being accessible, spaces must combine practicality with inspiring interiors. That’s why our buildings maximise natural daylight to boost the mood of pupils and staff as they go about their days. With high ceilings and large windows to let the light stream in, we create bright, spacious interiors with a sense of calm.
Just look at the light-filled spaces we created at Treetops Free School:
But it’s not just space and light that contribute to better mental health. The internal conditions – including heating, cooling and air quality – have a huge role to play.
We use timber exteriors that act as super-insulators: reducing air permeability and minimising heat loss to ensure a comfortable environment all year round. With additional technology including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, the air quality inside our buildings is always fresh and filtered.
Check out the timber exterior on the Lawrence Sheriff School that helps keep the internal environment optimised and has enhanced the school’s energy efficiency:
Creating safe spaces to encourage calm
Designing buildings that support students’ mental and physical health is our priority. We want to make spaces where they feel safe and happy.
We use the best acoustic materials to dampen exterior noise – providing a calm atmosphere for learning and reducing the risk of sensory overload.
Not only this, but we use premium materials to create sensory environments, including dark rooms and therapy spaces, allowing children and young people easy access to spaces where they feel safe and calm.
Take a look at how we worked with Broadfields Primary School, which required specialist provisions to support its student population and create an inspiring learning environment.
Easing climate anxiety through superior design
Save the Children has reported that 70% of British children are worried about the climate. We don’t want these worries to distract them from their vital learning, so we’re doing everything we can to lift the weight of responsibility from their shoulders and ease their climate anxiety.
How? By inspiring pupils and showing them that net zero is possible, with futureproofed schools that are net zero in operation. With over 200 EPC rated A buildings under our belts, our aim is to make a positive impact across the education sector and help schools reach their sustainability goals.
Our solutions speak for themselves, using solar power, rainwater harvesting, advanced insulation and more to deliver school buildings that are not only net zero in operation, but often produce more energy than they need.
This is exactly what happened at The Hart School, which generates more electricity than it uses.
We’re dedicated to improving the mental health of future generations, and our buildings are key pieces of the puzzle.
Want to find out how we can help your students? Contact our team today.
