Project Overview

One’s multi-disciplinary design team explored a number of options including extensions and internal remodelling to maximise the amount of available teaching space at Shooting Stars Nursery in Worcester.

The most cost-effective solution was found to be reconfiguring the internal space and incorporating an existing residential top floor flat into the current early years facility.

While the building in Barbourne Terrace in Worcester is not listed, it is in a conservation area. Sensitivity was, therefore, required for the refurbishment and when incorporating the residential flat as this required change of use planning consent and an additional staircase.

It was vital to reorganise rooms to make best use of available space to meet the indoor space ratio regulations required for childcare settings and other considerations included a review of welfare facilities, such as nappy change, WC, milk stations and kitchen facilities.

As Principal Designer, One ensured that all works were planned out safely with careful consideration of phasing and segregation of the works so that the nursery could remain fully operational and to minimise disruption.

The team developed a detailed design for the client to procure trades and self-build and provided ongoing site support as needed. For example, challenges included the discovery of structural constraints that were unknown until opening up the building and One’s team had to respond quickly to provide effective design solutions to allow the contractor to maintain progress on site.