Space Zero played a crucial part in this multi award-winning, best-in-class example of SEND learning environment design in which the ambition, skills and expertise of each party came together to achieve something very special that will serve the needs of deaf and hearing-impaired pupils for years to come.
Opening in summer 2020 and three years in the making The Deaf Academy, Exeter is a £10M CV new build and refurbishment project developed in conjunction with Stride Treglown Architects, MIDAS and Mac Acoustics for 100 learners of whom 50 are residential.
Client: Royal Academy of the Deaf, Exeter Our Services: Send Consultancy Construction Budget: £10M Number of Students: 100 Contractor: Midas Architect: Stride Treglown
Developed during a series of extensive workshops with the management, teachers and learners and working to the guidelines established by the principles of DeafSpace design, every opportunity was sought to create an environment that would meet the specific needs of all deaf and hearing-impaired users including those with associated complex needs.
"It has been a very good experience working with Space Zero to fit out our world class Deaf Academy. Not only have they brought a wealth of experience, but truly immersed themselves in our world to get first-hand knowledge of deaf education and care. Engagement has been strong with me personally, but most importantly also with key stake holders across the organisation. The design has been innovative, but firmly within the restraints of a charity budget. The balance of 'wow-factor' with cost-effective clever solutions has been very well managed."
Stephen Morton – Director of Development at The Deaf Academy