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If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing quality and sustainability throughout construction.

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Work

Alfreton Park Community Special School
Alfreton, Derbyshire

Client

Derbyshire County Council
Alfreton Park Community Special School

Awards

RIBA National Award 2024
RIBA East Midlands Awards 2024, Regional Award
RIBA East Midlands Awards 2024, Building of the Year Award
RIBA East Midlands Awards 2024, Project Architect of the Year Award, Wayne Head
RIBA East Midlands Awards 2024, Client of the Year, Derbyshire County Council
Civic Trust Awards 2024, Winner
Civic Trust Awards 2024, Special Award for Education, Winner
Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design 2024, Regional Finalist
ArchDaily Building of the Year Awards 2024, Nominee
Architect’s Journal Architecture Awards 2023, School Category, Winner

Booklet

We are honoured to have had such a successful evening at the RIBA East Midlands Awards in Leicester, With Alfreton Park Community Special School winning 4 RIBA awards.

Alfreton Park was awarded a RIBA East Midlands Regional Award, Building of the Year Award, Project Architect of the Year to Wayne Head and, Derbyshire County Council was recognised as client of the year.

‘’This award not only recognises Alfreton Park Community Special School as a pinnacle of architectural achievement but also underscores its profound contribution to the fabric of society, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for learning and growth.

The jury were impressed by the drive and determination of both the client and the architect to achieve their shared vision for an exemplary project which goes significantly above and beyond the standard offering.’’

Congratulations to all other nominated and winning projects, and a thank you to RIBA East Midlands for organising such an enjoyable evening. Thank you also to members of the RIBA East Midlands Jury for such kind words on the project