New Drama for Special Needs School
19/9/08
The Avenue School in Reading opened its doors to pupils and the child-service team last week.
The government status performing arts school houses both offices for the council and is an 80-place special needs school.
The heart of the design is the main area, acting like a town square, a central avenue of trees is set around a performing arts stage and eating/break-out areas which can be adjusted depending on the use. Classrooms surround this main space allowing for maximum daylight and reducing the walking many staff at special needs schools have to do.
Upstairs houses office facilities for child
workers and administration from the local council.
The scheme was given an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating under the bespoke category and features wind-turbines, solar collectors, micro CHP (combined heat and power) and rain water harvesting.
BBC news item:
