Ashwood Spencer Academy (Formerly Osmaston Primary School)

Ashwood Spencer Academy approached us wanting some really innovative ideas to develop an unloved and under-used corridor space.  They dreamt of having a new library with cosy reading areas and different breakout spaces for KS1 and KS2 and asked for our input to help them realise their vision. 

One of our specialist Library Consultants visited the school to meet with staff, measure up the space and discuss the design brief so that our designers would have a thorough understanding of the school’s requirements and everything on their wish list.

Problem-solving design

This entrance area with its sloping floor presented a challenge for our designers when placing furniture that needed a flat surface to rest on. By making clever adjustments to the bases of the units, several new reading areas were created, including this cosy Our House den with Buzz Cube seating inside.

Flexible spaces

 This long stretch of corridor has been transformed into a reading and intervention space where several activities can take place at once. Revolve upholstered seating and a table with Drum seats provide separate areas for group work or private reading. In the foreground, the KS1 area features a Reading Den and plenty of face out book display so that smaller children can easily pick out a book they like. 

Cosy, safe reading zones

The open-sided Reading Snug provides visual interest and a relaxing place for pupils to settle with a book but also maintains sightlines so that teachers can keep an eye on activities and be on hand to help if needed.

Spaces that encourage a lifelong love of reading

Even the most reluctant readers will love spending time in the bright and welcoming KS2 area. Snuggling inside the Reading Den makes reading a book seem more appealing and there will be plenty of books to choose from on the compact Geo Spinner which is surrounded by more comfortable seating.