Ardnashee School & College
Osborne Technologies' Aurora sensory and immersive rooms
Inspiring Young Minds Through Innovation
About Ardnashee School & College
Ardnashee School & College is a leading educational institution dedicated to supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with a wide range of complex needs. As part of their vision for a modern, inclusive and innovative learning environment, the school worked with Woodvale Construction to deliver a brand new, purpose-built campus designed to promote creativity, sensory stimulation, and engagement.
Creating Spaces That Support Every Learner
The Opportunity
Recognising the importance of sensory and immersive experiences in enhancing both academic and emotional development, Ardnashee sought to integrate bespoke environments that would cater to their learners’ diverse needs. The goal was to create calming and stimulating areas where pupils could regulate their emotions, build social connections, and enjoy immersive, curriculum-based activities.
Designing for Inclusion and Impact
The Process
As a preferred supplier to the Education Authority of Northern Ireland (EA), Aurora by Osborne Technologies was selected to deliver the sensory and immersive environments, thanks to their reputation and expertise in creating innovative educational spaces. Working closely with Woodvale Construction and Ardnashee’s team, Aurora developed custom solutions tailored to the school’s goals and pupil needs. Designs were carefully planned to reflect the therapeutic and educational requirements across the campus. Aurora’s collaborative work with schools and organisations under the EA umbrella reflects their shared goal to create inclusive, innovative, and engaging learning.
The Solution
A series of spaces that are fully accessible, adaptable, and centrally managed, giving educators the flexibility to meet individual needs in a supportive and inspiring environment:
Immersive Classroom
One of Aurora’s largest-ever projection installations, designed for dynamic, curriculum-led learning experiences.
Sensory Rooms
Fully equipped spaces with interactive equipment, tactile features, lighting, and audio, to enable both calm and active experiences tailored to individual needs.
Sensory Alcoves
Areas with water beds, cause-and-effect lighting, and interactive equipment that support learning through exploration, touch, and movement.
Soft Play Areas
Rooms with fully padded walls and flooring that provide a safe space for active, physical play.
Wizefloor Interactive Floor
A dedicated Wizefloor Pro area, encouraging movement and collaboration through interactive projection activities.
Audiovisual (AV) System
Customised AV solutions enabling control of projection, scent, lighting, and sound.
Room Components
Stitched Projection
Wizefloor Projection
Multiple Projectors
Audio System
Environment Effects
Dynamic Lighting
Sensory Elements
Padded Furniture
Aurora Console
The Results
The sensory and immersive spaces are now an integral part of daily learning and therapy at Ardnashee. They offer students a way to express themselves, find comfort, and experience the curriculum in a truly engaging way. These tailored environments aim to support emotional regulation, communication, and behavioural engagement, particularly for learners with higher sensory needs. The project exemplifies how thoughtful design and expert collaboration can transform special education environments.
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