Dartington Primary School and Nursery, commissioned by Devon County Council, accommodates 420 children. The school was previously situated within a floodplain and therefore had to relocate.

The previous site had included mature trees and a central river. A similar landscape was successfully recreated on the new site, turning an agricultural field (green desert) into a highly planted habitat site for local species and wildlife, retaining a number of mature trees and opening out a culverted stream.  The scheme offered a considerable increase of biodiversity and gain to wildlife.

The design re-creates the unusual layout of the school on its previous site, consisting of individual classrooms within the landscape. The buildings and landscape were designed to be educational in their own right and are illustrated with graphics and text to explain the origins and use of the timber products, other sustainable materials and services.

The client required school buildings to be scattered throughout a site to give it an open feel. This was achieved through minimal use of fences and carefully considered use of levels and space.

Each Key Stage group has a separate play garden area. Pupils are encouraged to explore, add to and care for their play garden and to develop a sense of ownership. A wide variety of spaces encourages learning through play and includes outdoor covered eating spaces, a nature trail with wetland areas, pond for exploration, seating and quiet zones for contemplation, and undulating landforms for imaginative play. The site is fully accessible and includes separate vehicle, pedestrian and cycle routes.