Client: University of Southampton Science Park
Location: Chilworth, Hampshire
Value: £500,000

University of Southampton Science Park Nursery

The nursery is within the University of Southampton Science Park, close to the main entrance. It is intended to be used primarily, but not exclusively, by the working parents employed on the campus.

The building replaces an existing derelict cottage and is set within mature landscaping, the majority of which is part of a group tree preservation order. Accordingly the principals behind the design is to ensure that on one hand it minimizes the impact upon the landscape and sits comfortably within its setting whilst being visible for its users and accessible to all groups of society.

The building is single storey with a mono-pitch roof which uses a small pallet of tactile materials such as locally sourced timber cladding and red stock brick together with small areas of off white render to act as a highlight. The elevations are simple so as not to create too much visual clutter within a small building.

The window are designed to be stimulating for the children but also usable and appropriate for the adults. A window seat is built into the horizontal window adjacent the main entrance to offer a place for the children to wait for either their parents or nursery staff when entering and leaving the building.

A lightwell is situated above the peg space in the heart of the building to maximize the use of natural light and ventilation and minimize on the reliance on mechanical and electrical systems.