| CLTH

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 thrilled that RIBA Awards has chosen to recognise this wonderful school, which seeks to demonstrate how inventive space-making can support school life for pupils with special educational needs.

Colourful teaching wings which ,in profile resemble birds in flight, are planned in an informal arrangement with the intention of de- institutionalising the school environment. The layout promotes a calm, light-filled, and fun environment with plentiful opportunities for play!

Timber-lined classrooms are bright and beautiful with large windows affording views of the tree lined park. The project included meaningful involvement throughout with pupils and staff, resulting in a joyful school.