pH+ architects plans xylophone building in london for children with cerebral palsy

 

 

 

the london centre for children with cerebral palsy (LCCCP) has received planning permission for an extension to its new premises in the london borough of haringey. the ‘xylophone’ scheme, which has been designed by pH+ architects will allow children, young people and the wider community to benefit from a range of new services and facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool.

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the building is enclosed by a timber screen which becomes a giant xylophone for children to play with

 

 

 

after a lengthy public consultation process, the inclusive design helps children develop in a series of differing environments designed to stimulate the senses through sounds, smells, light and varying surfaces. ramps and lifts are important for accessibility, however stairs will be employed in carefully selected areas as part of the children’s walking program. an external walkway wraps around the building, enclosed by a timber screen which itself becomes a giant xylophone for children to play with — a distinctive aspect of the design, and from where the building’s informal name is derived. reflective sections of the cladding allow children to observe their own movements.

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the project underwent a lengthy public consultation process

 

 

 

inside, a hydrotherapy pool, flexible-use therapy and meeting rooms, and a community hall space will provide new facilities for the local community, as well as the charity. there will be a dedicated hub where parents and carers can access vital information, meet to support each other, and receive training courses on a range of relevant issues, such as navigating the special educational needs framework.

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different environments are designed to stimulate each of the senses

 

 

 

the landscape, designed by BD landscape architects, is as equally important as the classrooms for providing learning spaces. the gardens around the structure have been divided into different accessible play areas, including a growing garden, a mud kitchen, a dragon mound and an amphitheater. two of the center’s roofs will be transformed into upper level sensory gardens.

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site plan

 

 

 

‘working with the LCCCP has been a long and enriching process,’ says andy puncher, director at pH+. ‘we have worked closely with the center and its pupils to develop a series of spaces that will provide the optimum learning environment. we’re so proud to work on a project that shows how design can directly affect lives.’ jo honigmann, chief executive of LCCCP added: ‘the new center will be an vibrant and harmonious space, the perfect new home for expanding our services and life-changing work. its fusion of science and nature complements the work of conductive education, where the body’s natural ability to learn is supported through specific, practical techniques. we are very grateful to haringey council and all our funders who have supported our capital appeal to-date.’

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section and elevation

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sketch detailing the layout of the site

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scale model

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the surrounding landscape also provides a range of learning environments

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the center’s roofs will be transformed into upper level sensory gardens