Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects LLP

Following the completion of the landmark Fleming Fulton School for children with disabilities, Kennedy FitzGerald were reappointed to design a school for children with severe and profound difficulties, including a nursery assessment and diagnostic unit on the same campus in South Belfast.

The 3880sqm single–storey building, originally for 150 pupils aged 4 to 18 years old, is linear and stepped in form to accommodate site restrictions.

The spine of the building becomes the social concourse allowing social and group activities to take place adjacent to the surrounding teaching areas. The school building is related to well landscaped play areas outside each classroom accommodating tactile and sensory plants.

Airiness and easy spatial negotiability were achieved by combining the use of courtyards, extensive roof glazing, oblique views with varying heights and volumes and spacious circulation areas.