Set in a verdant corner at Lakeside Primary school in Cardiff, Wales, this sanctuary space will be used for mental health activities and offer a meditative respite from the noisy bustle of their current school environment.

The small (28 sqm) but flexible space accommodates one to one sessions as well as indoor and outdoor group activities. To the south, the sheltered entrance and curved drystone wall is a sun trap that can be used as an outdoor classroom. To the north, the site offers fantastic views of hills beyond Cardiff and an intimate bay window takes full advantage of this.

Given the charities aspirations, we wanted to create a healthy space using locally and regionally sourced natural materials with good provenance. Tactile cypress columns invite touch. A highly aromatic cedar floor and breathable, textured hemp lime plastered walls all contribute to a warm, inviting and highly sensory environment with excellent natural light. The sanctuary is unserviced so is totally dependant on good daylight for both visual and solar gain which pours in through its south facing saw tooth roof.

This project is the brainchild of Bronwen’s Wish, a British Charity dedicated to supporting better mental health for children and young people through campaigning and providing schools with well being spaces. This is the first of a network of spaces they plan to build across the city. A second site has already been identified and the project is currently at the design phase as the charity raises more money for the build.