BACKGROUND

OOBE, in collaboration with Ryder Architecture, won the bid to develop the landscape masterplan for Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School.

The landscape strategy aims to create a site that is comfortable, professional, welcoming, and calm, enhancing the character of this mature and sensitive area. The design provides a fitting physical and visual setting for the new schools and the listed building, ensuring a high-quality, legible environment accessible to all users. Key features include increased visual and pedestrian connectivity across the site, clear cycling routes, segregated vehicular circulation, and thoughtful servicing arrangements. Biodiversity will be boosted through the creation of new native habitats via soft landscape proposals.

THE CONCEPT & DEVELOPMENT

The main objective for the local authority and the schools was to colocate Hexham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School on the same site. Despite sharing external sports and car parking facilities, the schools will operate independently.

This includes separate pedestrian entrances and external play areas for each school and year group. The site presented numerous challenges, including a mature and unique tree stock, a steep level change of approximately 28 meters, a listed building with a walled garden, a site divided by a public right of way, and the need to reprovision community sports facilities and an existing community garden.

RESULTS

The proposed landscape infrastructure works with the existing topography, features, and mature landscape to create a distinctive scheme that respects the existing setting and listed buildings while meeting the end users’ requirements. The design successfully integrates the schools into the site, maintaining the integrity and character of the surroundings.

By addressing the challenges and leveraging the site’s natural features, we have crafted a cohesive and functional educational environment that enhances both the natural landscape and the user experience.

Rendered images over site photographs from Ryder.