One of the main challenges in designing the new building was to create an accessible environment, internally and externally, on a sloping site. This has been achieved thanks to careful planning of the layout and massing of the building.

The garden is used by the House and the Resource Centre and has been developed from the existing mature but neglected one. Each area has access to their separate all weather surface play areas, shaded areas with seating, sensory garden, raised planters and stores for play equipment and garden tools.

A key innovation is the unique canopy that is roofed with a black panel solar thermal collector, only the second of its type in England. This contributes free energy to the hot water and under floor heating systems.