modulyss reveals the winners of its Design for Inclusion competition

Catering specifically to students with special educational needs (SEN), flooring manufacturer modulyss’ Design for Inclusion competition tasked designers with creating a therapy room concept for Carden Nursery & Primary School in Brighton, UK. The competition set out to raise awareness for neuroinclusivity, taking into consideration sensory-friendly elements such as acoustics, colour, flooring, zoning and flexible furniture.

The competition’s winner has been announced, with Tétris Design & Build designers Lucy Rees, Elizabeth Loizou and Marek Krzynowe’s ‘magical forest’ themed design ultimately chosen by an expert panel of judges.

The concept was built around the five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight and sound. The design aims to address critical issues around concentration, productivity, emotional wellbeing and even self-esteem – Tétris chose for a biophilic approach for their design by creating a ‘forest’ inspired by the beauty and soothing elements of nature such as waterfalls, calming colours and sounds, snugs and caves and natural lighting.

Recognising that neurodivergent children can experience over- or under-stimulation, Tétris split the space into three zones. A quiet area features nesting furniture for personal retreat, with both writable and textured acoustic walls and biophilic elements. In the interactive zone, designed for communal play, various textures, sensory boxes, a ball pit and a projector for films or interactive games have been thoughtfully incorporated to enrich the children’s sensory experience. An ‘enchanted tree’ forms a centrepiece for the reflective zone, providing a space for children to unwind and engage in solo or group play – a buffer between the quiet and more interactive areas.

“We intended the therapy room to be adaptable to suit the user of the space rather than target a specific user,” explains the Tétris team, “as each child will have individual needs. We did this by creating three types of zones without finite boundaries so they can become whatever is needed. Most importantly, the function is meant to be suggested so the child can create the type of space they want.”

A gentle and natural colour palette is established through the flooring, using carpet tiles to create the distinct neighbourhoods throughout the space – not only providing a tranquil aesthetic but also serving as a protective measure to prevent injuries, enhance acoustics and even improve air quality. Tétris added flexible elements and furniture to the design, including soft, sensory seating for the younger children and alternative furniture for the older ones – plus caves for hiding and flexible storage-meets-seating options.

“Tétris Design & Build’s winning neuro-inclusive design for Carden Nursery & Primary School in Brighton is a sensory-friendly masterpiece,” commented modulyss sales director José Hamp. “This transformative design not only enhances the physical space but also aims to positively impact the wellbeing and experiences of neurodivergent children. We can’t wait to see this design come to reality!”

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