Abbotsham Nursery

Abbotsham Primary School sought to expand its provision to meet growing demand by creating a new nursery facility on the school site. Supported by the adjoining church and envisaged as a community self-build scheme, the project aimed to strengthen local involvement and ownership.

We worked closely with the school to develop proposals centred around a communal focus, creating light, airy spaces that support early years learning. The design reflects the local Devon barn vernacular and incorporates a prefabricated construction system to reduce costs and allow for ease of installation.

The three barns reflect the pupils’ development stages and supervision requirements. The classrooms are organised around a shared central courtyard that is both the arrival and welcoming space.

 


Children and adults in a modern indoor play area with a large artwork of a tree in the center, windows showing outside greenery, and playful decor.
A detailed architectural rendering of a modern building with indoor and outdoor spaces, surrounded by stylized trees and people walking or interacting outside.
Architectural plan of an existing main school building showing rooms such as entrance, office, children’s WC, communal area, store, kitchen, art space, dining, classrooms, external play areas, covered area, and landscaped trees.
Children and adults in a bright indoor playroom with large windows, a decorative tree, and a cozy seating area.
Children and adults in a spacious, well-lit indoor play and learning area with wooden architectural features, a teepee tent, toys, books, and art on the wall.
Modern house with large glass windows and outdoor play area, children playing on rocks and grass, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy sky.
3D rendering of a playground structure with three towers connected by inclined bridges, overlaid on a blueprint layout of the playground area.
3D model of a building under construction with white framing and brown truss roofs, with shadows cast on a light gray ground and a garden sketch nearby.
3D rendering of a modern house with a pitched roof and large glass windows, featuring an outdoor patio with a pergola and a landscaped area with trees.
A 3D architectural model of a modern building with a unique roof design, large glass windows, and an outdoor patio area with a pergola structure, situated on a light gray background.
Architectural model of a church with sloped roof, situated on a white base with some leafless trees around the property.
Architectural model of a building with sloped roofs, surrounded by trees on a white base.
Architectural drawing of proposed nursery building with elevations and site plan, showing building design and surrounding trees.
Architectural drawing showing proposed south elevation views of a nursery building, with detailed building outlines, trees, and site elements, including a color-rendered side view with landscaping.
Architectural model of a building with multiple sections on a sloped landscape with trees.
A white architectural model of a building complex on a base, with trees and pathways, viewed from above.
Architectural model of a modern house with angular design and flat roofs, set in a snowy landscape with leafless trees and a small courtyard with a tree.