Alfreton Park Community Special School
by Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture
Client Derbyshire County Council
Awards RIBA East Midlands Award 2024, RIBA East Midlands Client of the Year 2024, RIBA East Midlands Project Architect of the Year, and RIBA East Midlands Building of the Year 2024 (sponsored by EH Smith)
On first arrival at this school on the outskirts of Alfreton in Derbyshire, it is evident that it has been carefully crafted, both internally and externally, to address the children’s and teachers’ needs. The architects have responded to the brief with both playfulness and architectural quality while meeting the stringent technical requirements of the county council client and the building’s users.
Comprising four loosely arranged buildings nestled against the brow of the hill, the informal plan belies an exceptionally well thought through hierarchy of spaces. Two teaching wings have classrooms facing the open countryside and ancillary breakout and specialist rooms on the northern side. The main communal hall sits on the more public side of the school, opening out onto a semi-enclosed courtyard, and its overhanging roof provides shelter to children arriving to start their day. Completing the arrangement is a discreet reception and staff building.
Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.
Contractors Henry Brothers
Principal Design PFB Construction
Structural Engineer Price & Myers LLP
Services Engineer Method Consulting
Landscape Architect Faithful & Gould
Gross internal area 3,000 m²
