An inspiring environment for specialist education at Two Bridges Academy in Bristol

An inspiring environment for specialist education

Two Bridges Academy, based in Bristol, is an exceptional new educational facility designed to meet the needs of pupils aged 2–19 with severe learning disabilities (SLD) and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Many of the young people attending also live with co-existing conditions such as autistic spectrum condition (ASC) and complex medical requirements.

Creating a safe, calm and welcoming environment was central to the school’s vision: a place where pupils can thrive, feel supported and achieve their potential. Designed by HLM Architects, the building opened in 2024 and represents a forward-thinking approach to specialist provision, integrating architecture, sustainability and wellbeing. The green walls create an inviting entrance for pupils, parents and staff.

Designed with sustainability in mind

Two Bridges Academy forms part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) sustainability pathfinder study. The school has been benchmarked against The Sustainable Schools Matrix, which sets clear criteria for efficiency and environmental responsibility in education facilities. In particular, the NZC Standards provide a framework for achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation, outlining requirements for building fabric and maximum energy use.

HLM Architects applied the HLM Greenbuild system for detailed performance modelling, ensuring that energy efficiency and sustainability were designed in from the outset. This system enabled robust predictions for the building’s operation, ensuring that multiple environments could be coordinated and monitored effectively.

Bringing nature to the heart of the design

As part of this commitment to sustainability and wellbeing, Mobilane was proud to contribute to the project with the installation of 30m² of living walls across three façade sections, using our MobiPanel system.

The plant palette was carefully selected to create texture, colour and seasonal variation. Species included:

• Campenula Stella
• Fragaria Vesca (wild strawberry)
• Carex Oshimersis ‘Evergold’
• Bergenia
• Geranium ‘Rozanne’
• Heuchera ‘Frosted Violet’

Together, these species deliver a vibrant, biodiverse and resilient green surface that enhances the Academy’s arrival experience. A play of colour and texture supports a safe and tranquil learning environment.

The benefits of living walls for a calm learning environment

At Mobilane, we know that educational environments must nurture wellbeing as much as they support learning. For Two Bridges Academy, the living walls bring benefits that go far beyond aesthetics:

• A Calming Visual Presence: The natural colours and textures of plants help to reduce stress and anxiety, creating a welcoming and reassuring entrance to the school.
• Improved Acoustics: Acting as natural sound buffers, the walls help reduce noise – an important feature for pupils who may be sensitive to external distractions.
• Healthier Air Quality: Plants naturally filter and purify the air, contributing to improved concentration and a more comfortable indoor environment.
• Biophilic Connection: By embedding greenery into the fabric of the school, pupils, staff and visitors remain connected to nature – a principle proven to enhance wellbeing, focus and recovery from stress.
• Biodiversity & Seasonal Interest: The diverse plant mix attracts pollinators and brings seasonal change to the façade, gently engaging the senses and reinforcing a connection to the rhythms of the natural world.

As we see at Two Bridges Academy, living walls are much more than sustainable design features, they are catalysts for creating spaces that support learning, nurture calm and enrich daily life.