Comprehensive Education at Heathlands School: A Welcoming Learning Environment for All
Refined Article:
A Colourful Haven for Deaf and Visually Impaired Students
Heathlands School, nestled in St Albans, has boldly broken ground with the unveiling of a new sensory-friendly building. This state-of-the-art learning environment, designed specifically for deaf and visually impaired students, marks a significant milestone for the school, which now caters to a whopping 157 pupils ranging from nursery to Year 13, including a brand new sixth form.
In a noteworthy collaboration, the visionary minds at Manalo & White and Richard Lyndon Design brought the project to life, incorporating feedback gathered from workshops with the students. The aim was to strike a balance between accessibility, comfort, and vibrant visual cues, fostering an environment where students feel valued and understood.
The building's striking design boasts muted green walls and bold yellow entrances, exuding a playful energy that mirrors the preferences identified by the students during the early design workshops. The architecture is carefully crafted to prioritize natural light and unobstructed sightlines, creating an inviting atmosphere for everyone.
Richard Dougherty, director at Richard Lyndon Design, emphasized the importance of engaging with the students, stating, "Deaf individuals often adapt to spaces not designed with their needs in mind. Listening to their experiences shaped a place that not only serves them but also celebrates their identity."
The need for specialist education for deaf students in the UK has never been more pressing, with over a quarter of local councils reportedly lacking such facilities. As a school catering to children from 34 councils, Heathlands has experienced a surge in demand over the past five years. Initial plans for a first-floor extension soon morphed into a comprehensive reimagining of the campus, with Manalo & White and Richard Lyndon Design proposing a new building on an underutilized section of the school grounds.
Delivered within a budget of £1 million and completed in just eight months, the building serves as the first phase of a broader masterplan aimed at expanding the school's capabilities. It houses six classrooms and an outdoor learning area, seamlessly integrated into the existing campus through covered walkways and a trendy new courtyard.
The building is adorned with natural materials, boasts photovoltaic panels, and is equipped with NVHR technology to ensure energy-efficient, eco-friendly spaces. Classrooms are bathed in natural light courtesy of large windows and skylights, while acoustic linings and carpeting maintain optimal sound conditions for students with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
The design pays close attention to movement and communication patterns, favouring open passageways over traditional corridors to facilitate British Sign Language (BSL) use. The addition of a new lift and interconnected outdoor areas further cements the building's commitment to accessibility, offering students spaces to unwind between lessons.
Inside the building, a soothing color palette of soft blues and greens reduces visual strain, promoting clear communication between students and staff. The arrangement of desks in a horseshoe formation encourages collaboration and interaction, aligning with the principles of DeafSpace.
Lesley Reeves Costi, co-headteacher at Heathlands, shared her enthusiasm, commenting, "Tiny design details have made an enormous difference." Future planned expansions at the school include a new sports hall and additional sixth form facilities, ensuring Heathlands remains a leading light in deaf education as British Sign Language (BSL) awareness continues to grow.
But as Reeves Costi rightly pointed out, visibility isn't enough. "Without the right facilities, we risk failing these students. At Heathlands, we're committed to providing the spaces and support they need to meet their potential."
Credits
Client: Heathlands School
Architects: Manalo & White Architects, Richard Lyndon Design
Structural Engineer: engineersHRW
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers: XCO2
Quantity Surveyor: Omnium International
Project Manager: Omnium International
Main Contractor: Gemstone Construction
Cladding: James Hardie
Additional Images
[Image credits as per original article]
- The new building at Heathlands School, designed for deaf and visually impaired students, also promotes learning beyond traditional subjects, incorporating spaces for education-and-self-development and personal-growth workshops.
- As part of their holistic approach to education, Heathlands School offers various extracurricular activities, including news clubs, sports teams, and environmental protection initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for all students.
- In line with the school's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, the construction of the sensory-friendly building includes the use of recycled materials and implementation of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable environment learning.
