Grace Owen Nursery

Specificity

Grace Owen Nursery was to be relocated as part of the first phase of Urban Splash’s redevelopment of Park Hill, Europe’s largest Grade II* structure. Studio Egret West and Hawkins/Brown collaborated on the initial masterplan for Park Hill, along with the detailed design of 300 homes and commercial units which completed in 2013. Studio Egret West then undertook the complete internal refurbishment of the existing Grace Owen Nursery School, which was completed in 2015.

The redevelopment of Park Hill embraced a radical conservation strategy, whereby the existing structural grid and megastructure was to be retained and conserved. At the ground condition, several mixed uses were proposed and full height glazing was used to embrace the landscape and to reveal the original structure.

The nursery successfully realises the ambition for an inspirational and safe learning environment. The internal layout follows a methodical spatial sequence that reflects the developmental stages of its young users—from sleeping infants to curious toddlers. Each age group has a distinct area, subtly divided with low walls that maintain visibility and encourage social interaction.

The common dining room and library serve as both functional and connective elements, enabling fluid movement throughout the space. The building's existing brutalist concrete frame is revealed in select areas—at ceiling height and behind built-in furniture—celebrating its architectural heritage. Bright colour palettes were introduced to define zones and enrich the atmosphere, enhancing spatial legibility for children and staff alike.

Strategy

Working closely with Sheffield City Council and nursery stakeholders, SEW developed a design that met all functional and space efficiency requirements within the limitations of the existing Park Hill structure. Following a cost reappraisal of the nursery, we re-planned the internal layout using a rectilinear language that responded to the rigorous grid of the structure with perimeter columns and central H-cores.

Within the rectangular plan, we generated more playful spaces with short walls and square cut outs to make the spaces more dynamic as well as allowing for passive overlooking. As a conservation led fit out, we wanted to expose as much of the concrete as possible in the design, considering that that it had significant heritage value and had undergone substantial repair. We allowed for the concrete walls to be seen at high level above the finishes and to be revealed at the back of the bespoke joinery.

It was important to retain the existing Grace Owen Nursery at Park Hill and allowing it to become part of its new identity. It was also very rewarding to work on a scheme that fitted in so well into the Park Hill megastructure and to provide a wonderful nursery for young children. The use of colour throughout the scheme added dynamic vibrancy to the scheme. And every so often a glimpse of the Park Hill megastructure can be seen.

A strong connection to the surrounding urban landscape was also a priority. The nursery is tightly integrated with outdoor play areas, allowing children to engage with the external environment and feel a part of the broader cityscape. Meanwhile, security was meticulously addressed through a clearly defined perimeter and thoughtfully planned entry sequence.

Sustainability

Sustainability was embedded in both the design ethos and construction methodology. Central to this was the retention, repair, and upgrade of Park Hill’s original concrete frame—an approach that minimized waste while celebrating the building’s structural identity.

By preserving the existing building fabric and incorporating new materials only where necessary, the project not only reduced its environmental footprint but also delivered a nursery that feels both contemporary and timeless. This sustainable strategy reinforces the project’s commitment to community, education, and long-term urban regeneration.