Willmott Dixon’s launch of a net zero learning pod provides temporary or permanent space for learning on ‘meanwhile’ sites that are waiting for future development
The Now or Never pod uses 100% renewable energy powered by eight 450w solar panel roofs and has been named after Willmott Dixon’s sustainability strategy.
The net zero learning pod has been designed to meet Passivhaus Retrofit standards in terms of the fabric, airtightness and thermal efficiency.
Constructed from an existing timber frame, the net zero learning pod incorporates composite cladding manufactured from 90% recycled material and insulation made from over 95% recycled plastic and reclaimed fibres. These are re-manufactured as new carpet tiles.
These low carbon credentials are complemented by a rainwater harvesting roofing system and furniture made from reclaimed ocean waste and plastic and the foundations use recycled waste material from a nearby construction site.
From conception to build
The net zero learning pod has been built off-site in Norfolk to provide additional classroom space for Pixbrook Academy in Central Bedfordshire but future versions of the pod will be adapted for a variety of communal purposes. This will include Willmott Dixon Building Lives Academies, which have have been designed to train individuals so that they can lead to full-time work in construction.
The net zero learning pod was the brainchild of James Vosper. Vosper is an assistant supply chain coordinator from the 2021 Willmott Dixon Foundation Trainee Challenge.
He explains “It is a fast, sustainable and convenient way to provide versatile space that can be both short-term and more permanent, and we can also re-use it again afterwards. It’s ideal for ‘pop-up’ accommodation, including learning, and with more councils looking at community-related options for ‘meanwhile’ space, it’s a fantastic net-zero solution that doesn’t require connection to services.”
Another focus during the pod’s development was embodied carbon, with the structural elements achieving 84kgCO₂e/m², meeting the performance targets required by SCORS, RIBA and LETI for 2030.
Building on existing relationships
Vosper is continuing a relationship created through the delivery of the £25m 1,160 place school in 2020. At Pixbrook Academy Vosper has made an effort to keep student engaged through educational workshops on renewable energy, digital 3D scanning and sustainable materials. A design competition was also set up with the students’ results incorporated into the final design, leaving a legacy for the Academy.
Principal at Pixbrook Academy Stephen Adams commented:
“The pod gives our Academy invaluable alternative learning space designed to enhance the environmental credentials of the school and cater for pupils who need access to a space outside the usual parameters of the main school. It will be dual purpose, meeting the needs of our ecological and SEN education programme.”
Vosper added:
“The Now or Never Pod shows what’s possible by pushing the boundaries of renewable technology and recycled material. We are already in talks with other parties about introducing the pods as a solution to their accommodation needs.”
