Karli Edmondson
Posted: Thursday, July 29, 2010 10:27 am

GRADONARCHITECTURE has been working closely with The North East Autism Society (NEAS) to ensure that all government priorities are achieved in the design and construction of a brand new facility for people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the region.

This week work has started on site at New Warlands Farm, Holmside, Durham to develop a building for use as a teaching facility offering vocational skills relating to agriculture for those affected by ASC and ASD.

The ‘farm’ will offer the chance for learning, training, welfare and refectory activity as well as NEAS using the rest of the 77 acres of land to cultivate crop, create a herb garden, wild flower area, willow cultivation, small scale egg production and fruit farming.

Graham McDarby of GRADONARCHITECTURE said:“Special consideration had to go into the designing of this facility as people with Autism have a degree of difficulty in making sense of the world they live in. We have worked closely with government guidelines, the NEAS, and then the local authority to ensure we adhered to the Derwentside Local Plan and secure planning on a sensitive rural site.”

There will be the opportunity for students to gain recognised qualifications and the offering for social or vocational courses that will teach invaluable life skills as well as providing enjoyment on the site purchased from Houghall College. 

Graham continued:“Up to 25 students will be accommodated on the site at any one time, with an additional 15 staff having to be catered for in the layout of the building. Even outside, the integration of vehicles and parking within the rural setting had to be carefully thought out.

“ While the location and use has a large emphasis on agriculture, the building has been designed to offer a number of flexible workshops internally to respond to evolving teacher techniques and provide inspirational and enjoyable spaces.“It was a challenge but one well worth taking on, and we are looking forward to seeing the finished development once the construction company Mansell concludes on site.”

NEAS, a registered charity with nearly 30 years experience of providing autism specific services, has a number of sites in Sunderland. This is the charity’s first site in Durham.

John Phillipson of NEAS said: “NEAS identified that a number of adults with ASC seem to really enjoy and flourish when gardening, growing fruit and vegetables, constructing fences and outdoor furniture and even running a small market garden. We chose a rural location close to Durham, to reduce the need of local people having to always travel to Sunderland and to expand our own base.

“GRADONARCHITECTURE has demonstrated an understanding of the sector and of the people we deliver service to, and as well as being professional and cost effective, they are also reliable – having assisted in securing a difficult planning permission in a short timescale. We are delighted to be on site and look forward to opening the facility soon.”