St Mary’s Biophilic Primary School, Derby

Commissioned by the Department for Education, St Mary’s in Derby is a prototype for a new generation of schools built with a biophilic ethos at their core. Closely based on concept designs developed by LBY Architects, the building is a response to a growing need for environments that support physical, emotional and cognitive wellbeing.

The project explores how natural light, ventilation, materiality, views of and access to nature can shape a more supportive learning experience and has been in key in testing new strategies for broader application across the education estate.

A School Rooted in Wellbeing

The design of St Mary’s is centred on creating a healthy, sensory-rich environment for children and staff. Every classroom benefits from:

• Direct access to green external space

• Generous daylighting and high ceilings

• Natural cross-ventilation

• Visual connections to nature and soft landscape

The buildings form a series of pavilions, split by function or age range, all connected by a very generous canopy forming a spine to the scheme and ensuring pupils have access to fresh air and views over landscape as they circulate between lessons. The building design is closely based on our Genzero Prototypes.

Outdoor learning is not an afterthought but embedded in the site strategy. The building is embedded within the landscape, surrounded by planting and protected open space that encourages exploration, play and quiet reflection — all contributing to a supportive, nurturing setting.