The Linwood Special Needs School is an all through facility bringing together three existing local schools to cater for pupils of all ages, with mental and physical support needs in the Renfrewshire Council area.
In addition to the internal teaching facilities, the campus also includes a series of courtyards and external spaces to facilitate outside play. The facility also includes external libraries, outdoor classrooms and an amphitheatre and performance area together with a sensory garden, eco garden and various fixed play equipment suitable for the different age groups.
Complex support facilities were also incorporate in the design across various wings which provide separate facilities for children with more complex learning needs. A double height area in the main building provides a gymnasium and support facility with a hydrotherapy pool and changing area.
Our multidiscipline team undertook detailed site modelling to ensure that the optimum development levels across the site were achieved. This included 3-dimensional cut and fill ground modelling while ensuring to maintain a level floorplate for the building. This process also assisted in reducing the need for earth retention systems within the school grounds. The modelling also helped in minimising the quantity of material required to be excavated and removed from the site as well as material to be imported to the site for use as fill.
Due to the site topography and access requirements to the surrounding areas and boundaries, a large volume of surplus excavation material had to be accommodated. By undertaking 3D cut and fill models, and in consultation with the architect and landscape architect, these arisings were integrated into large landscape mounds providing additional learning areas.
Client: Renfrewshire Council
Architect: Renfrewshire Council
