Spa School is an existing special school for students with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), located on a tight urban site in a conservation area in Bermondsey. AOC were appointed to develop a feasibility study for the site and the subsequent design and implementation of the scheme. The new building provides 734m2 of accommodation, outdoor play areas, an orchard, horticulture room and science garden. The new building also connects to an existing sports and recreation building, significantly improving the scope of community use and the adjacent public spaces. Delivered under Southwark’s Building Schools for the Future programme AOC led the design team successfully through the funding gateways and facilitated the community engagement programme.