Frome Valley First School - Dorset

The relocation of an existing nursery and primary school to a new countryside site in Crossways village. The timber-clad sustainable buildings by John Pardey Architects with Sir Colin Stansfield-Smith are integrated into the field landscape, which is planted with new native species hedges and wild-flower meadows. The courtyard site-plan for the school creates a central circulation space with a playground and outdoor classroom. Individual gardens are located adjacent to the classrooms.

The meadow and hedges create the rural context for the school and assist in the ‘borrowing’ of the surrounding landscape. They improve the quality of the habitat and make connections with the history of the landscape as former pastoral fields. It is anticipated a new wetland will be funded and created by the school.

Client:     Diocese of Salisbury
Architect:     John Pardey Architects