OSG were commissioned by Five Acre Wood School to design a new Hydrotherapy pool, replacing the existing facility which is in poor condition and not suitable for the pupils’ needs.

The proposed building is a new ‘fit for purpose’ facility providing adequate changing and showering facilities and suitable space/circulation around an appropriately sized pool.  The pool will be used by the school as part of their extra-curricular activities.

Design challenges to overcome were balancing maximum natural light into the pool whilst ensuring the glazing areas are limited, due to the extreme temperatures within the pool space.

The windows are set at a variant height to achieve this. A significant ceiling depth is required to accommodate the mechanical extraction for the pool.

The idea of a coffered perimeter detail enables the services to pass through the ceiling zone, but to maximize the height of the windows at the perimeter. The coffered perimeter also creates a great location of LED light strip to be inserted, providing feature lighting to the perimeter of the pool space.

The pool is also designed to accommodate a community use, with separate secured access separating the new facility from the main school.