Belswains Primary School

Our project at Belswains Primary School consists of a two-story school extension with four classrooms and two group rooms per floor plus auxiliary services.

Great importance is being given to sustainability issues throughout the design process. All classrooms will be south-west facing towards the fields from an elevated position. The external wall almost disappears with a large fenestration to fully enjoy the views and solar gain. A shading system will be implemented that will reduce excessive solar heat during summertime.

All other secondary functions are at the rear (north-east exposure) with smaller windows to minimise heat loss. The construction method used is SIP (structural insulated panels) by Innovare. These panels are being manufactured off site bespoke for the project and installed on site reducing the construction time dramatically. The panels will increase the efficiency of insulation and therefore the thermal performance of the building.

Particular attention has also been given to how the building relates to its environment. Maximisation of the different levels of the site was imperative, an example of this is the introduction of a bridged access to the first floor from higher side of the site by the main entrance and car park.

We are also paying particular attention to a new modelled landscaped area that will be a key component of the whole design.