Create calm, connected, inclusive spaces with modular construction

Richard Harvey, CEO of TG Escapes, has overseen the design and construction of timber-frame buildings since founding the company in 2002. His passion for sustainability drives him to create innovative spaces that positively impact children’s learning experiences. 

Pupils today face a wealth of issues, from mental and physical health problems to complex SEND needs. As designers and producers of modular school buildings across the UK, we are finding increasing demand for positive environments that uplift students and staff, underpinned by biophilic design principles. Emphasising a connection to nature through several key factors, biophilic design helps to improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost exam results. 

While we’ve been advocating about biophilia for many years, we’re pleased to see it gaining traction within the industry, with many consultants and clients specifically approaching us because of our biophilic approach using a modular timber system. The benefits offered by a tailored biophilic space can be massive, particularly for SEND and SEMH needs. 

The principles of a biophilic building involve incorporating views of nature, access to the outdoors, and high levels of natural light and ventilation. This is achieved through a series of design decisions, additions to buildings, and material choices, which collectively can provide a profound boost to staff and students, creating uplifting and focused educational spaces for mainstream educational settings and tailored SEND environments: 

• Abundant natural light: Seek to maximise sun exposure through expansive windows, glass walls, skylights, and sun pipes, allowing a classroom to rely on natural light whenever possible. 

• Access to the outdoors: Provide doors from all rooms onto covered decking areas to promote free flow from inside to out, encouraging regular access to the outdoors throughout the school day. 

• Views of nature: Wherever possible, buildings should offer fantastic views of gardens, trees, and skylines from each room. This helps reduce stress and mental fatigue. 

• Ventilation: Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) technology can be used to ensure clean, fresh air is continually circulated around school buildings. 

• Sustainably sourced timber: Buildings constructed around timber frames and panels, with all wood sourced sustainably from carefully managed forests, provide a truly different feel to users. 

• Murals: Where direct views of nature are not available, images of nature and natural patterns can also bring biophilic benefits to a school building.  

• Living roofs: Living roofs, sometimes called green or sedum roofs, offer sustainability benefits and additional views of nature within a building. 

• Wildlife habitats for BNG: Providing bird and bat boxes alongside insect hotels improves the biodiversity of the school environment and better connects students with nature. 

Drawing on our years of experience designing for SEND and in collaboration with Haverstock Architects and The Blue Iris Partnership, we have designed DfE Spec 21 compliant solutions for primary and secondary settings. Each biophilic hub is organised around a central activity area, with classrooms designed to offer young people a choice of spaces, both inside and outside, where they can retreat to optimise their learning and sensory comfort.  

This element of choice allows students to find environments that best meet their needs, fostering emotional regulation and creating a supportive atmosphere. Therapy, sensory, and meeting spaces provide multi-disciplinary teams with a high-quality environment where they can effectively collaborate and support their work with children. Using a modular system, a net-zero 32 place hub including secure outdoor spaces can be completed on site in as little as 30 weeks, at a one-off cost of approximately £75,000 per student.  

The benefits of biophilia 

Biophilia offers clear benefits within all buildings but can be especially crucial within schools. Considering the many challenges faced by young people, and the need to hold their engagement throughout the school day, the cumulative impact of natural light, visual elements, and high air quality can help to lower the stress of pupils, improve their concentration and focus, and inspire their creativity. For students with SEND or SEMH needs this can be even more important, offering an environment that feels safe, comfortable, and calming. In time, the impact of biophilia can lead to higher attendance and improved exam results. 

www.tgescapes.co.uk