Bluecoat Primary started life in temporary classrooms in September 2015 until the Nottingham City Council and Bluecoat Academies Trust turned to us to design a brand-new school for the community. Our brief was to deliver the highest quality learning environments possible for the budget, using Education and Skills Funding Agency guidance to create a successful, efficient building. The school wanted a larger than average hall, which was part funded by the local diocese, to accommodate community activities without disrupting the academic day. Also required was a specialist unit for children with autistic spectrum disorder. We designed an inspiring, cost-effective learning environment, giving the children as much functional, flexible space as possible. We’ve created an L-shaped school with 16 classrooms, a 26-place nursery setting, reception area and kitchen. Running right through the centre of the school is a wide learning street, creating breakout areas, a library and play spaces. We harnessed natural light and ventilation to create bright, airy learning spaces that would be enjoyable to use and cost effective to run. Our design maximised floor space and balanced best practice with the school’s own specific vision and practical needs.