Design ID provided full Structural and Civil Engineering design for the construction of Oak Tree SEND School, a two-storey facility for pupils aged 5–19 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Serving Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils, the design focused on sustainability, accessibility, and minimising environmental impact.
The project emphasised sustainable practices, including rationalising the building modular grid to reduce material wastage and support off-site manufacturing. Also, proximity to an illegal landfill required site reviews and recommendations to manage contamination risks.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) were integrated to improve water quality, biodiversity, and flood resilience. SuDS features included permeable asphalt for parking, porous sports pitches, and integrated hardstanding balanced durability and drainage performance.
A new adoptable road was designed and constructed to provide enhanced access to existing nearby allotments whilst also providing access to future housing developments. The new roads also provide connectivity to public cycle routes, supporting sustainable travel.
Cut-and-fill analysis optimised earthworks, reducing material movement and reduced the volume of material needing removed from site. Reuse of topsoil supported sustainable site management.
In summary, the project included underground drainage systems, car parks, pedestrian footways, and sports pitches, including a MUGA pitch. Outdoor recreational spaces featured sustainable finishes to promote eco-friendly design. Other sustainable approaches included retaining mature oak trees, diversion of an existing watercourse, and solar panels to lower energy consumption.
Contractor: Reds10
Architect: HLM Architects
Project Value: £10m
