MEplace Nursery Angel
For MEplace Angel, we’ve transformed a historic
building into a thoughtfully retrofitted nursery, designed specifically to
support young learners in a nurturing and imaginative environment.
To achieve this quickly, economically, and effectively, we drew on our proven design specification to create a warm and inviting space for children to learn, grow, and imagine. This site marks the next step in our collaboration between MEplace and Office S&M, implementing the co-designed brand book. The design rollout showcases the distinctive visual identity and tried-and-tested design approach we have developed together, tailored to foster children's development.
You can read more about how we work with educational clients here.
Before
After
When we
first visited the building to conduct our Needs and Capacity study with the
MEplace team, it contained beautiful spaces but needed some care to bring it up
to modern standards. Having taken time to understand the opportunities within
the building, we carefully designed retrofitted insulation, particularly to the
roof, while ensuring we kept historic features, like the exposed timber
structure and wooden floors. To prevent draughts, we sealed external vents and
installed new doors, that improve the airtightness of the building. This
meant we could remove a boiler, and run the heating just from an existing ASHP,
further decreasing the operational carbon of the building.
The space is shaped around MEplace’s unique ‘Golden Thread’ curriculum, which encourages children's independent exploration. Our carefully considered design invites children to investigate their surroundings, follow their curiosities, and develop a strong sense of self. The space supports this through wellbeing benefits, including filtered air and water in each classroom. Every space has natural light, supporting mental and physical health. Even the learning resources and cleaning products used daily are non-toxic and low VOC.
The space is shaped around MEplace’s unique ‘Golden Thread’ curriculum, which encourages children's independent exploration. Our carefully considered design invites children to investigate their surroundings, follow their curiosities, and develop a strong sense of self. The space supports this through wellbeing benefits, including filtered air and water in each classroom. Every space has natural light, supporting mental and physical health. Even the learning resources and cleaning products used daily are non-toxic and low VOC.
Sustainability
is at the heart of everything we do. The building has been engineered for
minimal environmental impact, using neutral, natural materials. Expanses of
timber flooring add warmth to the space, complemented with bespoke signage and
a calming colour palette. Enhanced insulation ensures the nursery remains
comfortable year-round, reducing operational carbon while maintaining the
building’s heritage. Structural interventions were minimal, with only one new
lintel required.
Another key move we made to unlock this new site for MEplace was to bring the outdoors inside. We created a new outdoor area, sheltered from the elements, that offers a versatile space for all age groups to enjoy. We also understand the benefits of connecting to nature. By creating easier access through the new front door and reception, children go on daily outings to local green spaces such as St. Mary's Church Gardens & Astey's Row Playground.
By upgrading the building and unlocking the space, we've delivered a tranquil, intimate setting with MEplace that feels like home.
If you’ve enjoyed this project, you can read about our other education projects here.
Another key move we made to unlock this new site for MEplace was to bring the outdoors inside. We created a new outdoor area, sheltered from the elements, that offers a versatile space for all age groups to enjoy. We also understand the benefits of connecting to nature. By creating easier access through the new front door and reception, children go on daily outings to local green spaces such as St. Mary's Church Gardens & Astey's Row Playground.
By upgrading the building and unlocking the space, we've delivered a tranquil, intimate setting with MEplace that feels like home.
If you’ve enjoyed this project, you can read about our other education projects here.
Detail
Location: Islington, LondonGross internal area: 350m2
Construction cost: £400,000
Start on site: December 2024
Completion: February 2025
Number of places: 60 children
Client: MEplace
Team
Architect: Office S&M Architects
Contractor: BB Contracts
MEP Engineer: Kench Consultants
Fire Engineer: Mu Studio
Registered Building Control Approver: Wilkinson Consultants
Principal Designer (CDM): CDRM Services
Principal Designer (Building Regulations): Office S&M Architects
Graphic Design: MEplace
