Rookery School, in Handsworth, is spread across three Grade II Listed buildings. The conceptual idea for the new building evolved from an analysis of the schools name, surrounding area and the ethos of the newly formed Academy. From the analysis, the idea of a birds nest evolved, which is a timber and glass structure that is overlaid with large ‘twig’ like sections of timber which symbolises nature and nurture. The lightweight and transparent structure of the ‘nest’ is not only a counter point to the heavy brickwork of the existing buildings but also symbolises the aspirations of the Academy moving forward. The birds nest

sits at the heart of the school and acts as a hub between all 3 buildings. It is linked back to the buildings via elegant timber and glass ramped walkways, which are deliberately stripped back to allow the birds nest to become the focal structure and provide a visual separation between the existing listed buildings. become the focal structure and provide a visual separation between the existing listed buildings.