Sustainable school developments are on the move as Tilbury Douglas and Equans are appointed to primary school projects and retrofit plans for a Kensington junior school gain approval
Sustainable school developments are the order of the day as Tilbury Douglas announces its appointment to to lead the construction of Wednesfield Technology Primary School, Equans secures a net zero modular construction project delivering a school for Lancashire County Council and a retrofit project brings more school places to Kensington.
Tilbury Douglas to lead construction of Wolverhampton primary school
As part of Shireland Multi Academy Trust, the new technology primary school for 446 primary school pupils, located near Wolverhampton, will be designed and built by Tilbury Douglas to meet the Passivhaus classic standard.
Wednesfield Technology Primary School, located on the site of the abandoned Edward the Elder School, the sustainable development will consist of the demolition of the previous school and then the construction of the new facilities.
Simon Butler, managing director building central at Tilbury Douglas, said: “As the fourth project we have worked on for Shireland Multi Academy Trust, we are looking forward to working collaboratively to deliver this new school which will increase the education provision in the region.”
A SIPS and Passivhaus design will maximise safety and sustainability
The new school will be constructed using a SIPS design, improving the fire safety of the building, as well as its sustainable credentials.
Meeting local authority’s objectives to improve air quality in schools, the Passivhaus project will include a range of sustainable, low embodied carbon materials.
CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, Sir Mark Grundy, said: “We are delighted to be working with Tilbury Douglas again on this very special school project. As a Trust, we are working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and this energy efficient school will house bright young minds in an environment that helps to secure the future of our planet.
“We look forward to working with the communities in and around Wednesfield and bringing the best opportunities that a Shireland education has to offer.”
Kensington Atlantic building retrofit gains planning permission
Planning permission was granted last month for the extensive retrofit of 21 St. Albans Grove into an exemplary new junior school for Thomas’s Day Schools within the De Vere Conservation Area in Kensington, West London.
Designed by Ackroyd Lowrie, the sustainable school development will tie a Victorian and mid 20th Century building together and create a five storey school with 23 teaching classrooms for pupils from reception to year 6. Other features include sound proofed music rooms, libraries, dining halls, assembly hall, reception, head’s office, meeting/administration rooms, flexible community spaces and a planted biodiversity roof garden.
Work on Atlantic House is expected to begin later this year with the aim for staff and students to move in for the 2024/25 academic year.
Visual impact was a key consideration of the sustainable school development
Consideration was given to landscaping to fulfil three criteria: minimising acoustic impact; creating privacy and safety; and improving the visual quality of Atlantic House’s front façade. A woodland-style quiet learning garden has been positioned nearest the neighbouring residential properties, while acoustic walls have been specified to surround free play/sports areas.
Existing listed trees are retained alongside the new roof garden, resulting in a biodiversity net gain of 21.73% over the current habitat value.
Managing director Jon Ackroyd commented: “Our overall approach follows passive design principles and seeks to refurb the majority (93%) of Atlantic House’s existing area and retain its shell and part of the frame. This includes upgrading the thermal fabric to above Building Regulation standards, which will significantly reduce associated heat losses from an old building and provide internal temperature control.
“Renewable energy technology including photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps will ensure maximum energy efficiency, flow restrictors on taps and dual flush toilets will reduce water consumption, and rainwater collection butts are specified for landscape irrigation. Finally, materials have been specified for a long lifespan and future adaptability.”
Another sustainable development aiming for net zero is Equan’s modular primary school in Ribblesdale
Lancashire County Council has appointed Equans to to deliver a brand-new, modular primary school in Ribblesdale, Clitheroe, which is designed to achieve net zero carbon status.
The new school will provide 210 much-needed new school places for children in the area, and local disruption will be kept to a minimum since the majority of build will take place off-site.
The school is scheduled to complete in August 2023 ahead of the September 2023 term.
Modular construction will deliver the project with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption
The benefits of modular construction mean that the sustainable school developments will enjoy a faster build time as opposed to traditional methods.
Equans will install a ground source heat pump, supplying the school with a sustainable source of heat and hot water. Solar PV will also be installed on the roof, which will generate power for the school.
Equans has revealed the school will benefit from the company’s School Zero product – which concurrently promises net zero construction, as well as teaching children about the importance of sustainability.
Equans has also provided ‘Industry Insights’ session to 145 students from Ribblesdale High School: as well as offering two apprenticeships for students at Preston College.
Alyson Seddon, construction director at Equans, said: “Schools are at the heart of every community and this new school will not only offer up much-needed new places for children in the area, but encourage young people to be ‘school zero heroes’ and positively influence their own families to live more sustainably, through bespoke learning on climate change.
“We are thrilled to be working with the council and community more widely to push this agenda and offer up workshops and work placements so we can really make a difference.”
