Background

Office S&M has continued the successful partnership with MEplace to design and deliver their new nursery site in Angel, Islington. Here, we’ve transformed a historic building into a thoughtfully retrofitted nursery, designed specifically to act as a learning tool and support young learners in a nurturing and imaginative environment.

To achieve this efficiently, economically, and effectively, we drew on our proven design specification, creating a warm and inviting space in which children are encouraged to learn, grow, and imagine. This site marks the next step in the collaboration between MEplace and Office S&M, implementing our co-designed brand book. The design rollout for MEplace showcases the distinctive visual identity and tried-and-tested design approach we have developed together, tailored to fostering children's development.

Specifics

When we first visited the building to conduct our Needs and Capacity study with the MEplace team, it contained beautiful spaces but needed some care to bring it up to modern standards. Having taken time to understand the opportunities within the building, we carefully designed the retrofit to improve the space while ensuring we kept historic features, like the exposed timber structure and wooden floors. To prevent draughts, we sealed external vents and installed new doors which improve the airtightness of the building. This meant we could remove a boiler and run the heating just from an existing ASHP, further decreasing the building’s operational carbon.

The space is shaped around MEplace’s unique ‘Golden Thread’ curriculum, which encourages children's independent exploration. Our carefully considered design invites children to investigate their surroundings, embrace their curiosity, and develop a strong sense of self. The space supports wellbeing through features such as filtered air and water in each classroom. Each area is enhanced by natural light, supporting mental and physical health. Even the learning resources and cleaning products used daily are non-toxic and low VOC.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and MEplace shares this as a value. The building has been engineered for minimal environmental impact, using neutral, natural materials. Expanses of timber flooring add warmth to the space, complemented with MEplace’s bespoke signage and calming colour palette. Enhanced insulation and airtightness ensures the nursery remains comfortable year-round, reducing operational carbon while maintaining the building’s heritage. Structural interventions were minimal, with only one new lintel required.

Another key move we made to unlock this new site for MEplace was to bring the outdoors inside. We created a new outside area, sheltered from the elements, which offers a versatile space for all age groups to enjoy. MEplace’s curriculum recognises the many benefits of connecting to nature; and by creating convenient access through the new front door and reception, we’ve made it easier for children to go on daily outings to local green spaces, such as St. Mary's Church Gardens & Astey's Row Playground.

By upgrading the building and unlocking the space, we've delivered a tranquil, intimate setting with MEplace that feels like home.