Ysgol Cynefin translates to ‘habitat school’ — we designed these two new timber-framed specialist primary schools to connect pupils to their natural world. The two sites mark a major investment in Cardiff’s additional learning needs programme.
Ysgol Cynefin
- Client: Cardiff Council
- Location: Cardiff
- Value: £23m
Services
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Landscape architecture
- Social value
- Sustainability
A collaborative design
The opening of Ysgol Cynefin is an important milestone in Cardiff Council’s specialist education provision across the city. Funded through the Welsh Government’s Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Transformation Programme within the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, the project provides a high-quality, inclusive learning environment designed to support the diverse needs of its pupils.
Located in Fairwater and Llanrumney the two new schools each accommodate 36 key stage two pupils.
From the earliest stage, our HLM team worked closely with school staff to shape the design. Our collaborative approach led to learning environments that blend safety, therapeutic qualities, and opportunities for exploration — all ideally suited to pupil’s with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD).
“Our new Ysgol Cynefin sites have been designed around the needs of our pupils, creating environments where they feel safe, supported and inspired to learn. Seeing the positive impact on our children, from the specialist facilities to the outdoor spaces, has been incredibly rewarding. This project has given our school community a place where every learner can develop confidence, independence and a genuine sense of belonging”
Jamyn Beesley Headteacher
Interior design
Our interior design ensures the school is a wellbeing-focused learning environment. Inspired by biophilic principles, natural materials, calming colours, abundant daylight and integrated planting foster a strong connection to nature. Flexible layouts and varied study settings support collaboration, independence and inclusion. The result is a warm, adaptable space that promotes comfort, engagement and a sense of belonging.
Fostering connections to nature
Both school buildings feature generous natural light, carefully curated adjacencies, and a network of internal courtyards that act as calming wellness spaces.
A strong relationship with nature underpinned our vision. Natural materials and outdoor learning zones for horticultural and Forest School activities have been incorporated throughout, reflecting the school’s commitment to cynefin — habitat — and nurturing pupils’ sense of comfort, belonging and wellbeing.
