Austin-Smith:Lord to design new Autism Facility

We’re delighted to have been appointed to design a new facility in Swansea for autistic children and their families.

Orbis Group, which is one of the UK’s leading providers of services for people living with autism, has recently purchased Dan-y-Coed House in West Cross from Swansea Council and intends to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility providing education and care for up to 30 children and young people in a school and residential home.

The building was previously run by Swansea Council as an educational, conference and activity facility.

The purchase of Dan-y-Coed House marks Orbis Group’s most ambitious project to date, with the property set to bring in an estimated 100 new jobs to the area.

Work has begun on the refurbishment and the service will open in 2018.

Victoria Slater of Austin-Smith:Lord says: “There are many considerations in designing for children with Autistic Spectrum Condition to provide a sensory environment which does not overload and distress children with ASC. We are working with the team at Orbis to develop a set of design guidelines and we are also researching current best practice standards based on recent research.

“The aim of this project is to deliver a high quality building and landscape that will allow both pupils and residents to thrive without impeding or disrupting their education and everyday life.”

Mike Currier, CEO of Orbis Group adds: “At Orbis Group we work diligently to ensure that every child under our care has access to a socially valued and fulfilling life, irrespective of the complexity of their condition, and we are proud to be able to provide our service users with truly outstanding facilities that meet their needs.

“In order for our expert staff to provide the highest level of specialist education, care, and clinical support, it’s crucial to create an environment that caters to the complex requirements associated with autism. We are confident that the team at Austin-Smith:Lord will support us in transforming Dan-y-Coed House into a top-quality school and residential service for children and young people with autism.”