The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed Kier to deliver the redevelopment of a net zero school in Bournemouth
Kier will deliver a campus redesign for Oak Academy in Bournemouth, which will replace the existing buildings on site.
The school will be net zero in operation, which aligns with the new specification requirements from the DfE.
The net-zero school will be thermally efficient, incorporating the use of air-source heat pumps and solar panel roofing. The project has received funding through the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme, which is addressing the refurbishment of 500 schools in need.
Designed using Kier’s kSchool design platform, the H-shaped layout of the new school centres around an open dining space with glazed elevations, courtyards, and configurations to allow the school hall, sports hall and changing facilities to be used by the wider community.
The net zero school will deliver improved and sustainable facilities for the community
Commenting on the appointment, Mark Norris, operations director at Kier Construction London & Southern, said: “We are delighted to be appointed by the Department for Education to create a new home for Oak Academy, one which will deliver improved, sustainable facilities for students, staff and the community.
“This innovative net zero carbon in operation project will combine improved facilities under one roof, making more efficient use of the site’s footprint and allow the school to increase its student and staff intake.”
Sian Thomas, CEO of Ambitious Academies Trust, which Oak Academy is a part of, added: “We are excited that Oak Academy will have a new school with such superb facilities. Ensuring that future generations will have a great school in which to thrive is so important and means a lot to the whole community.”
