Project overview
Project type: Multi-sensory environment
Location: Cheadle, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Client: Seashell Trust
Sector: Specialist education / disability support
Primary users: Children and young people with complex communication and sensory needs
Introduction
Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised organisation supporting children and young people with complex learning difficulties, disabilities and communication needs.
The organisation operates specialist education and residential services and is widely respected for its expertise in supporting individuals with complex needs.
As part of its commitment to creating supportive environments, Seashell Trust introduced a dedicated sensory environment designed to help students regulate sensory input, explore sensory experiences and engage with therapeutic activities.
The sensory space provides a calm and structured environment where students can relax and interact with carefully designed sensory elements.
The challenge
Students at Seashell Trust often have complex sensory and communication needs. Busy environments, noise and unfamiliar stimuli can sometimes make it difficult for individuals to regulate sensory input.
The organisation wanted to create a dedicated environment where students could engage with sensory experiences in a calm and supportive setting.
The aim was to design a sensory space that could support both relaxation and structured sensory sessions while remaining flexible enough for use by staff across a range of activities.
The challenge was to create an environment that would meet the needs of individuals with highly diverse sensory profiles while remaining safe and accessible.
“Our students benefit greatly from environments that allow them to explore sensory experiences in a calm and supportive setting. The sensory space has become an important part of the support we provide.”
Seashell Trust representative
Experia design approach
Experia worked closely with the Seashell Trust team to design a sensory environment that supports both sensory regulation and sensory engagement.
The design focused on creating a calm atmosphere where students can explore sensory experiences at their own pace.
Key design priorities included:
• creating a calming environment that contrasts with busy educational spaces
• incorporating visual sensory elements that encourage engagement
• providing comfortable seating areas where students can relax
• ensuring the space remains safe and easy for staff to supervise
The resulting environment provides a flexible sensory space that supports both therapeutic use and relaxation.
Key sensory features
The sensory environment incorporates a range of sensory elements designed to support engagement and emotional regulation.
Features include:
• bubble tube lighting providing gentle visual stimulation
• fibre optic lighting encouraging sensory exploration
• comfortable soft seating areas for relaxation
• interactive sensory elements designed to encourage engagement
These features allow students to interact with sensory experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Before and after transformation
Before the installation, the available space within the facility did not provide a dedicated environment for sensory exploration and regulation.
Through careful design and installation, the area was transformed into a multi-sensory environment that now supports students and staff within the Seashell Trust campus.
The project demonstrates how sensory environments can enhance specialist education settings by providing a calm and structured sensory space.
How the space is used
Students use the sensory environment during the school day when they need to regulate sensory input or relax.
Staff also use the space during structured sessions designed to support sensory exploration, communication and emotional regulation.
The environment provides a safe and engaging space where students can explore sensory experiences in a supportive setting.
The outcome
The sensory environment has become an important resource within the Seashell Trust campus.
By providing a dedicated space where students can regulate sensory input and explore sensory experiences, the organisation has enhanced its ability to support individuals with complex needs.
The project highlights the important role sensory environments can play in specialist education and disability support settings.
Experia perspective
“Organisations such as Seashell Trust play a vital role in supporting individuals with complex needs. Well-designed sensory environments provide a space where students can explore sensory experiences and regulate sensory input in a supportive setting.”
Gareth Jones, Founder & CEO, Experia
Planning a sensory environment?
Experia designs and installs sensory environments for schools, healthcare organisations and public venues around the world.
If you are planning a sensory environment and would like expert advice, our team would be happy to help.
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Learn more about sensory environments
What Is a Sensory Room
Sensory Room Design Guide
Sensory Room Equipment Guide
Sensory Room Planning Guide
Sensory Room Cost Guide
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Sector
Specialist Education
SEN Schools
Immersive Learning Environments