Snapdragons’ Nursery Cribbs Causeway

CMS have been working with this Ofsted outstanding-rated nursery education provider for many years, providing Architectural, Principal Designer and Interior Designer services on projects comprising conversions, extensions, and refurbishments across the South West.

In 2016 CMS were tasked, working closely with the client’s partnering developer/contractor Oakland Construction, to undertake feasibility studies for a new build nursery project on a 1-acre site within the large Cribbs Causeway mixed-use development, known as the Northfield Park Masterplan. The progression of the design proposals followed, working with key stakeholders through pre-app, with public consultation events culminating in successful planning approval in 2019.

The 150-place nursery was built to a budget, whilst the design and close working relationship with the contractor ensured no compromise was evident on sustainability and the internal environments created for the users. The building is incredibly light and airy with tall central corridor spaces which promote natural ventilation and flood the building with light. Large roof overhangs protect the classrooms from unwanted solar gain whilst sheltering space to flow outside even in poor weather.

This new build project was completed in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, which unfortunately impacted the opening and welcoming of the new users. However, with life now closer to normality, the nursery is thriving with activity and full of happy children! We are now keeping our eyes out for the client’s next potential site!

Architect & Principal Designer: CMS Architects
Contract Administrator:  CMS Architects
Interior Designer: CMS Architects
Structural & Civil Engineers: Kb2
M&E Consultants: Jones King
Principal Contractor: Oakland Construction

All images are by Rebecca Faith Photography