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The Beehive

City of York Council

Thought to be one of the first facilities of its kind in the country, The Beehive is a dedicated centre to support children and young people with autism, learning disabilities and/or additional health needs.

City of York Council
Client

City of York Council
Location

York, North Yorkshire
Value

£5,000,000
Gross internal floor area

1,093m2
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THE PROJECT

Commissioned by the City of York Council and NHS England, we designed The Beehive with one goal in mind: to create a haven where children can play, interact, and get the specialised care they need. It can be used for overnight short breaks or for therapeutic treatment.

THE PROJECT
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DESIGN APPROACH

Our design philosophy was rooted in the simple yet imaginative world of children's building blocks. This inspiration took form in three L-shaped structures, each featuring playful, angled roofs. The design not only captures the imagination but also serves a functional purpose, creating a layout that is as practical as it is engaging.

DESIGN APPROACH
WHAT WE DID

We thought about the needs of children and families every step of the way. From spacious bedrooms equipped with hoisting facilities to sensory rooms and activity spaces, The Beehive offers a comprehensive environment that takes all aspects of care into account.

WHAT WE DID
THE IMPACT

Our design doesn't just look good - it feels good, too. With spaces designed to manage different levels of stimuli, and critical transition zones in between, we're setting a new standard for autism-friendly and learning disability-friendly facilities.

THE IMPACT
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Director

Robin Graham
Principal Technician

Stephen King
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Thoughtful and progressive healthcare architecture