Lungfish Architects: Celebrating 10 years of people-centric, innovative design

Over the decade, Lungfish Architects has delivered almost 150 projects, including more than 100 utilising offsite, volumetric design and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Investment in research and development has positioned them as leaders in offsite education design, including pioneering a flexible component system that adapts to any site topography, to optimising layouts for manufacturing efficiency, sustainability and affordability, and the development of a concept design for the transformation of an entire blue light estate.

This innovation has enabled significant outcomes, such as the delivery of Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School in Derby, just nine months after the original building was destroyed by arson. This project became an award-winning, national example of how modular design and MMC techniques can help local communities in times of need.

They have paved the way in school building design, creating more than 20,000 school places and 650 classrooms across the UK. Their portfolio includes the successful delivery of a significant school expansion programme across 64 sites in Bedfordshire, as well as purpose-built forest schools where sustainability and outdoor learning are embedded at the heart of the architecture. Notable examples include Cotton End Forest School, Leicestershire's first purpose-built forest school Greenstone Primary School and Award-winning Thoresby Vale Primary Academy.

With roots in the public sector, Lungfish Architects is proud to be part of the SCAPE Group, supporting local authorities with advice, speed and certainty, while also delivering independently for private clients. Their multidisciplinary experience ensures that all the designs they create are considered, deliverable, and for the benefit of local communities.

Lungfish Architects brings ten years of proven experience in delivering sustainable, people-first designs and look forward to creating places that inspire, connect and positively impact communities for many years to come.

"It has been a privilege to be involved in the development of our brand new school. Having the opportunity to discuss the design with both architects and designers at Lungfish will make a fundamental impact on children for many years to come. We have embraced the design and "feel" of the school and embodied it into our school ethos. A very natural and calming environment, a respect of the natural world and a feeling of peace."

Sarah Coleman, Headteacher of Oak Grange Primary School

“This is a joyous milestone for all staff and pupils at the school and I am pleased to see the school rebuilt to the highest standards, on budget and on time. This has been possible because of excellent partnership working between Ravensdale School staff, the governing body, and school leadership team, Lungfish Architects, Morgan Sindall Construction and the Council. It was deeply upsetting to see the destruction caused by the fire, but these fantastic facilities will help pupils make the most of the first stages of their learning journey. Losing a school has an enormous community impact, and my thanks go to the schools who offered space for Ravensdale children while the building work was ongoing.”

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Skills at Derby City Council