St Louis Academy

St Louis Academy - Multi-Use Support Space

Newmarket

Project Overview

This bespoke multi-use space was created to support children with social and emotional needs at St Louis Academy, alongside their families and the specialist teams working with them. Funded by a grant from the Sisters of St Louis, the project focuses on wellbeing, inclusion, and creating a safe, supportive environment.

The Brief

St Louis Academy required a dedicated building that could accommodate a range of specialist support activities in a calm, welcoming setting. The space needed to offer privacy where required, support small group and one-to-one work, and feel reassuring and inclusive for children, families, and staff.

The Solution

We designed and delivered a bespoke multi-use building providing a variety of carefully considered environments, including:

• A confidential counselling space
• A calming sensory room
• A quiet retreat for specialist meetings
• A welcoming area for small group therapies

Each space was designed to create the right atmosphere for focused, supportive work, with careful attention paid to light, material choice, and overall flow.

Externally, the building is clad in warm cedar, helping it sit comfortably within its surroundings while creating a welcoming first impression. Generous glazing brings in natural light throughout, reinforcing the sense of openness and calm.

The Outcome

The completed building provides St Louis Academy with a flexible, nurturing space that supports emotional wellbeing and strengthens the school’s ability to care for its community. The calm interiors, thoughtful layout, and natural materials combine to create an environment that feels safe, uplifting, and purpose-built for the important work carried out within it.