TG Escapes, Category 2 Manufacturer of the Year at the 2025 MMC Awards, were also awarded Primary School Project of the Year for their modular timber frame changing facilities at Edgeborough School. This project is the latest example of sports and leisure facilities, designed and built by TG Escapes, demonstrating a growing interest in the use of modular construction for this sector. The use of timber frame and cladding, along with energy efficient technology, helps create a different type of net-zero leisure facility that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Fostering Well-being Through Biophilic Design.
For decades, the humble sports pavilion has often been a purely functional afterthought—a brick block of changing rooms and a small kiosk. But community sports buildings could be uplifting spaces that actively enhance our mental and physical well-being before, during, and after activity. This is the vision being realised by TG Escapes whose net-zero, timber-frame buildings, designed using biophilic principles, are setting a new standard for sports facilities.
Biophilic design is a philosophy based on humanity’s innate need to connect with nature. In architecture, this translates to using natural materials, maximising daylight, and creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The benefits are profound: reduced stress, improved mood, and heightened mental clarity. When applied to a sports or leisure environment, this approach creates a calming, restorative atmosphere—the ideal
mindset for focusing on performance or winding down after a tough session.
TG Escapes achieves this by engineering beautiful buildings using sustainable timber frames. The modular off-site construction process means a new pavilion can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a traditional build, with minimal disruption to pitches and club activities. The result is a highly insulated, energy-efficient structure with a warm, welcoming aesthetic that stands in stark contrast to the cold, sterile feel of older facilities.
The Well-being Studio at Winnersh Triangle
Nowhere is the power of this approach more evident than in the well-being studio created for Winnersh Triangle, a business park in Berkshire. Designed as a dedicated space for activities like Yoga and Pilates, the building is the perfect blueprint for the modern, holistic sport & leisure pavilion.
The studio features extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing, flooding the interior with natural light and offering immersive views of the surrounding landscape. The timber structure and natural wood finish along with a living roof create a sense of warmth and tranquillity. A covered veranda extends the usable space, allowing participants to stretch in the fresh air while sheltered from the elements.
Practising yoga or meditating in such a space is a fundamentally different experience. The connection to the outdoors creates a serene sanctuary, allowing users to focus on their well-being, supporting mental health just as much as physical fitness.
Healthy Buildings, Healthy Communities
This philosophy is not limited to boutique studios. TG Escapes has applied the same principles to more traditional sports facilities, such as the new changing rooms at Edgeborough School, elevating a purely functional building into a positive space that supports the well-being of young athletes.
Bursar Sarah Riley says; “The design is not only visually striking but also thoughtfully crafted to support and elevate our educational environment. They offer a modern, dynamic space that supports creativity, collaboration and growth, making them a ‘game-changer’ for both staff and pupils. The impact they’ll have on our school community will be nothing short of transformative.
The new changing rooms have been met with fantastic feedback from pupils, parents, and staff alike. Pupils are loving the fresh, modern space, which offers a much-improved experience before and after games. Parents have expressed their appreciation for the high-quality facilities, recognising the investment in enhancing school life. Staff have also praised the design and functionality, highlighting how the upgraded space makes managing sports sessions smoother and more efficient. Overall, they have been a hugely positive addition to the school!”
By combining the practical benefits of modular construction with the profound well-being advantages of biophilic timber-frame design, TG Escapes net-zero buildings provide a unique solution for any club, school, or local authority looking to invest in a new pavilion. This approach offers a unique opportunity to build a landmark that will foster a healthier and happier active community for decades to come.
TG Escapes provide a design and build turnkey service including everything from planning to handover. They are a Construction Line Platinum member, a Structural Timber Association gold member, members of the PassiveHaus Trust, the MPBA, and the AECB. Their services can be accessed via the UK Leisure Framework.
For more information call 0800 917 7726 or email [email protected] and visit www.tgescapes.co.uk for video case studies.
