The plan for this nursery school in West Belfast is arranged around a central courtyard, the holistic heart of the school. Each learning space is orientated to fully benefit from controlled daylight and passive solar heat gains at the appropriate time of day. The built form and contrasting material finishes are articulated to reflect the hierarchy of the spaces and define the elements.

The secluded and intimate courtyard is hidden from view on approach and provides a sense of light and space in the heart of the school. A ‘spine’ (staff) element slips out from an otherwise square plan to signify the entrance. Here the roof plan extends to form a timber canopy and the solid plinth is extruded to form a seat, creating a place of shelter and interaction for waiting parents.

With its courtyard plan the Naiscoil (Nursery) seeks to form a kinship with its neighbour, the existing Bunscoil (Primary) with which it shares grounds. Mimicking its ‘older brother’, the courtyard eave line dips to allow the classrooms a glimpse to the slopes of Black Mountain, from which both schools derive their name. This project was completed while in previous employment with ARD Ciaran Mackel Architects.