The refurbishment and extension of 3 pairs of semi-detached cottages in an area of outstanding natural beauty to provide living and learning accommodation for pupils with varying levels of autism. The accommodation is an innovative initiative by Prior’s Court Foundation to provide a halfway house for pupils aged 19 or over, who have completed their full-time education at Prior’s Court but are not yet ready to embark on a more independent life away from the school.
The concept behind the design of the new buildings draws inspiration from the idea of a traditional English walled garden and its ability to offer privacy and sanctuary without being overbearing. It was important that from the road the appearance of the site was largely unaltered, therefore alterations to the existing buildings, although substantial, occurred internally and on the back elevations only.