Giant Steps

Giant Steps is an independent school for autistic students aged 2-18. The refurbishment and extension of the teaching space at Markaling House, an 1874 sandstone cottage, utilises the positive strengths of autism, pays homage to the building’s heritage and was constructed at a low square-metre rate to meet budgetary constraints. Design decisions aim to ensure the space itself is an educative tool, with the graphic exaggeration of space and volume and the visual expression of activities. Colour, material, and lighting define activity and circulation and minimise distractions.