Transforming education estates through sustainable, inclusive and inspiring design

At AHR, we bring together architects, building consultants, masterplanners, interior and landscape designers, geomatic specialists, and surveyors into one collaborative team, applying insights across disciplines to deliver innovative, sustainable and inspiring learning environments.

We provide a complete perspective across the full lifecycle of the built environment – from early feasibilities and masterplanning, through design and delivery, to conservation, retrofit, and long-term estate management.

From Passivhaus secondary schools to inclusive SEND campuses, further and higher education estates to primary and early years refurbishments, our educational portfolio spans across the full sector spectrum. Whether supporting estates strategies, delivering block replacements or creating new builds, we approach every project with the same commitment; to create educational environments that inspire, nurture learners and remain resilient for generations to come.

Driving sustainability at scale

Net zero has become the defining challenge for education estates across the UK. Schools, colleges and universities are seeking solutions that minimise operational energy, tackle embodied carbon and meet stringent government standards. At AHR, sustainability is integrated into every discipline - from early masterplanning strategies that consider climate resilience, to interior and landscape design that enhance wellbeing and biodiversity. We have developed tools and processes to support clients on their decarbonisation journeys, combining technical knowledge with a pragmatic understanding of commercial realities.

At Woodmill and St Columba’s RC High School in Fife, we delivered the world’s largest certified Passivhaus education building. Designed to Passivhaus Classic standard, the campus sets a national benchmark in energy performance while providing 2,450 pupils with healthy, light-filled learning environments.

As part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) GenZero Pathfinder project, we are delivering two of the five schools, helping to shape the future of ultra-low carbon school design. One of these, Wellfield Academy in Leyland, will become one of the UK’s first secondary schools with net-zero embodied and operational carbon. Drawing on biophilic design principles and tactile interior finishes, the new school will create high-quality, nature-inspired learning spaces that support the physical and mental health of staff and pupils.

AHR director, Imran Kassim, will be speaking on GenZero, biophilia and nature-based design at this year’s Education Estates Conference.

Find out more about the session taking place on Tuesday 14 October, between 16:00-17:00 on the Sustainability Stage.

Wellbeing and learning spaces that inspire

Learning environments need to do more than simply house lessons. They should actively support wellbeing, concentration, and belonging.

The University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) masterplan reimagines the University’s presence in Huddersfield, creating a gateway that reinforces the town’s identity as a centre for health and social innovation.

Designed to foster cross-sector collaboration and inclusive community engagement, the campus integrates teaching, clinical training, and community care within flexible, future-ready spaces. Prioritising shared facilities and a strong sense of place, the development encourages real-world learning while supporting the University’s ambition for a WELL-certified campus, embedding health, wellbeing, and sustainability throughout.

The Daphne Steele Building, a new home for nursing and healthcare education, has achieved WELL Platinum, the highest possible rating under the WELL Building Standard. Helping to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals while strengthening links with the wider community.

Unlocking value in existing estates through adaptive reuse

Repurposing existing buildings allows schools, colleges and universities to enhance learning environments while meeting sustainability goals and controlling costs. At AHR, we combine technical analysis, energy modelling, performance testing, surveying and refurbishment to deliver retrofit solutions that improve efficiency, reduce carbon and extend the life of estate assets.

• Leeds Mathematics School saw the transformation of a former building society headquarters into a specialist sixth form, preserving a significant urban landmark while providing an inspiring facility for students pursuing mathematical sciences.
• Olive School in Hackney converted a Grade II listed police station into a vibrant primary school, combining heritage sensitivity with modern inclusive design to create a safe and engaging educational environment.
• Shrewsbury Academy reimagines a tired 1960’s school campus into a modern learning environment, remodelling the existing primary and secondary school buildings into one cohesive, expanded secondary school campus.
• At the University of Huddersfield, our retrofit-led strategies have enhanced estate to improve comfort, wellbeing and operational efficiency, demonstrating how existing assets can continue to perform long into the future.

Learn how we’re transforming university estates through retrofit-led design and our work with the University of the West of England.

Inclusivity and community impact

Education estates must be accessible and inclusive, supporting every learner. This includes creating environments tailored for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), while also creating community hubs that offer a sense of belonging.

The net zero carbon Silverwood SEND School in Wiltshire demonstrates how inclusive design and sustainability can come together. It is designed to support a wide range of students, from those with moderate or severe learning difficulties to pupils on the autistic spectrum, with physical disabilities, or with profound and multiple learning needs.

At the Health and Wellbeing Building, University of Salford, trauma-informed and neurodiverse design principles informed the campus layout, with calm spaces, clear wayfinding and flexible learning areas. These measures reduce sensory overload, promote a sense of control and enhance the wellbeing of students, helping them thrive academically and socially.

Listen to our podcast episode, where director, Rob Hopkins, discusses with his panel of guests how trauma-informed design can transform university spaces.

Discover more of our school, college and university projects that deliver long-term value for students, staff and the wider community.