Tag Archive for: Modular Construction

State-of-the-art £28 million school facility ready for first day of lessons

Algeco UK completes state-of-the-art £28million Northampton School site in record time ready for the new school term.

Pupils and staff at Northampton School have started the new school term on a high – by walking through the doors of one of the most modern learning facilities in the UK. Algeco UK completed the Northampton School project within just 18 months.

This is the biggest school build ever undertaken by Algeco UK, which was secured through the MMC Framework for the Department of Education (DfE).

Northampton School will eventually accommodate a total of 1,200 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18 from across Northamptonshire.

Algeco is well-known as a market-leading supplier of portable and modular buildings across the UK and Europe used in multiple sectors, including the Ministry of Justice, schools, hospitals and office locations.

The buildings at the new Northampton School were created utilising modern methods of construction in a quality-controlled offsite environment, ensuring the highest standards of workmanship and Health and Safety.

Algeco developed the project through a two- phase approach that followed the receipt of the DfE’s feasibility approval. It was designed in collaboration with the school and all stakeholders and manufactured using an MMC approach, which involved constructing the school in modules and transferring them to site following completion.

This method means the build was completed within just 18 months compared to the typical three-year time frame.

Algeco’s experts started laying the foundations in January 2023. A total of 210 modules were created at the company’s factory in Carnaby and transported by road to the Northampton site. The company also provided temporary decant classrooms and all of the construction site welfare and associated services while the main building was being constructed.

The school is a £28 million state-school project run by the Northampton School for Boys (NSB) Academy Trust.

It is a state-of-the-art facility for the teaching of secondary school pupils, with dedicated sports, drama, science, music rooms, and much more.

 

The new school opened for pupil intake for the first time on Thursday September 4th, with Year 8 students the first to start back at the new school. They were joined by the school’s Year 7 pupils the next day.

Phil Pavey, Managing Director at Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS), said:

“This is one of the most exciting projects Algeco UK has worked on – planning and constructing a series of buildings to ensure the students of Northampton have the best possible education has been very motivational for all of us.

“We sincerely hope the new Northampton School is a place where teachers and students alike will find a welcoming and inspirational environment, as well as being a fantastic focal point in the community.”

Gary Greenhoff, Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS) Project Manager, said:

“Using modular construction meant this facility was ready much faster than traditional methods, and the flexibility it offered means the school has everything it could want and much more.”

He added: “I’m immensely proud of the school, everyone has worked very hard to make this an amazing facility for the people of Northamptonshire. There were a few challenges along the way, including the heavy rain in the spring, but we overcame them all and was ready to hand the school over to the teachers and pupils ready for term-time in September.”

Algeco UK would like to thank all of the 137 staff and contractors involved in the project over the 18-month build. In particular, the company would like to credit: Sean Brind, Contract Manager; Abbass Mahmood, Senior Quantity Surveyor; Gary Greenhoff, Project Manager; Alison Orme, Design Manager; Ashley James, Head of Design; Mike Swain, Site Manager; and Harrison Parkin, Assistant Site Manager.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ALGECO WEBSITE

 

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Fusing headline performance with massive running cost savings

Frameworks: The answer to procuring for education projects

By Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement, LHC Procurement Group (LHC)

 

Earlier this year, the National Audit Office (NAO) published its damning Condition of School Buildings report revealing that around 700,000 pupils are being taught in schools requiring major rebuilding or refurbishment.  It found 38% of England’s 64,000 school buildings are now believed to have surpassed their estimated initial design life and that 572 may contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).  The NAO’s report also revealed that the Government is spending less than half of the £5.3bn it recommended in 2020 as a minimum requirement for maintaining schools. This is despite claims from the Department for Education (DfE) that since 2015, £13bn has been allocated to improving the condition of school buildings and facilities.
While the Government has commissioned various funding initiatives such as the School Rebuilding Programme, and promised an additional £2bn investment, there is clearly still a considerable amount of work to be done to refurbish our schools.

How frameworks can help with school expansion and refurbishment

Procuring via a framework can be a viable option for large capital education projects, as they take the pressure off in-house teams that are already feeling the squeeze.

They can allow for faster delivery. As suppliers have already been through the statutory periods, schools can use frameworks to speed up the procurement process and better focus on what they need. What is more, frameworks also offer access to a selection of high-quality, pre-approved and pre-assessed contractors. This gives reassurance to clients where resources might not allow them to run this sort of validation process alone.   There is also the option of procuring via mini competition or direct award, so frameworks can provide a solution where an urgent requirement necessitates.

Given the widespread discussion around sustainability and creating buildings fit for the future, procurement frameworks can facilitate access to specialist consultants and expertise in carbon net zero building or asset maintenance long-term. They feature pre-approved and vetted high-quality contractors and suppliers offering confidence in the solutions they offer for education building projects.

 

Through our Public Buildings Construction and Infrastructure (PB3) and Modular Buildings (MB2) frameworks, we are seeing these benefits in action.  The former covers the construction of new buildings, extensions and refurbishment of public buildings and infrastructure works, while the latter covers the design, supply and installation of permanent modular buildings, refurbished modular buildings, and the hire of temporary modular buildings for all public buildings including schools and colleges. Both are live until 2025.  How Kent County Council is using a procurement framework

Over the past 10 years, the number of children being born in Gravesham has been consistently higher than both Kent and the national average.

The population increase in North Kent has resulted in expansion of nearby primary schools, which is having a knock-on effect on requirements for increased secondary school capacity. Kent County Council (KCC) recognised the need to enhance infrastructure and meet the future needs of local towns and their residents.

A study undertaken in 2019 confirmed there would be significant pressure for Year 7 places in the catchment area of North Kent, so it was critical for KCC to explore potential sites for suitable expansion, in the geographical regions where it was most needed. They therefore decided to expand Meopham School by building a new block.  Beyond the buildings

 

At LHC, we are passionate about improving lives and places through quality procurement solutions and supporting clients to provide as much added value as they can. The work being done by KCC through LHC’s PB3 framework is providing social, economic and environmental value to the Gravesham community.  Achieving an expansion in the correct location allows children to learn close to their homes, families, and the community they are most comfortable with. This helps local communities to grow rather than fragment.  As a by-product of the extension work, KCC has facilitated pupil construction workshops and apprenticeships for the local community and made charitable donations to aid community and voluntary groups.

Through PB3, the organisation has been able to work with local trades and source materials locally. Further economic benefits are brought about by expanding a school with an already excellent reputation and infrastructure as opposed to building a new one.

Environmentally, the new block has been designed using highly efficient materials and renewable energy and ecological improvements are being made to ensure that existing flora and fauna continue to flourish. Meanwhile, careful thought and consideration went into deciding the location of the expansion to reduce journey times for families. KCC also introduced a purpose-built pick-up/drop-off facility to mitigate traffic and congestion, which has been a major historic problem for the local community.  The example given here illustrates the added pressure on local authorities to plan for the demands of a growing population while considering the long-lasting impacts their developments can have. It presents a strong case for using public sector procurement frameworks.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE LHC WEBSITE

 

 

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Why the modular industry is perfectly positioned to prevent school closures

 

Ben Wernick – Managing Director Wernick Buildings

 

In recent news, concerns have arisen over the safety of school buildings in the UK constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). This urgent situation calls for immediate action to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Guidance issued by the Department for Education (DfE) advised that “any space or area with confirmed RAAC should no longer be open without mitigations in place”.

 

This highlights the issue that some schools will have to either delay reopening or close and urgent plans to be put in place to overcome these challenging times. With schools hoping to reopen after the summer holiday, action must be taken almost immediately for those affected.

It is notable that the modular construction industry stands as a reliable and well-positioned alternative that provides enhanced safety, durability, and sustainability in building and developing educational units. Modular buildings exhibit exceptional attributes, notably in safeguarding the security and welfare of their occupants. Unlike traditional construction methods, modular buildings are built in controlled factory environments, adhering to strict quality control protocols. This means that safety measures, such as structural integrity and fire resistance, are rigorously assessed and implemented during the manufacturing process. Moreover, as modular structures are designed to be transported and installed on-site, they require stronger and more resilient building components to withstand transportation stresses. This heightened attention to durability offers additional reassurance regarding the structural soundness of modular buildings.

Efficient construction time

Time is of the essence when dealing with urgent matters such as the closure of your school. Modular construction provides a significant advantage by significantly reducing construction timelines. Since modules are created off-site concurrently with site preparation, projects can be completed much faster than traditional construction. This expeditious approach minimises potential interruptions to academic activities, ensuring students can return to their studies as quickly as possible.

Additionally, the fabrication of modular buildings tends to be less disruptive than on-site construction. Noise and other disturbances are kept to a minimum, further supporting an uninterrupted learning environment during the construction process.

Modular construction not only saves time but also offers cost-effective solutions. The controlled environment of modular factories minimises material wastage and reduces the need for rework. With fewer delays and expenses associated with inclement weather, modular construction projects are more likely to adhere to budgetary constraints. Furthermore, modular buildings are designed to be easily expanded or reconfigured, allowing educational institutions to adapt to evolving needs and enrolment fluctuations. This adaptability provides long-term cost savings by avoiding the need for major renovations or additional construction in response to changing circumstances.

 

Sustainability and environmental responsibility

At Wernick Buildings we constantly strive to improve our environmental practices. Our controlled factory environment allows for efficient use of energy and resources, limiting waste generation. Additionally, sustainable materials can be incorporated during manufacturing, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint.  Furthermore, modular buildings can be designed to be energy-efficient with the incorporation of green technologies such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and LED lighting. These features reduce operational costs and promote sustainability by minimising resource consumption and carbon emissions.  In response to the recent news regarding the closure of school buildings built with potentially unsafe construction materials, the modular construction industry stands as an ideal solution, armed with its focus on safety, speed, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility. We have a range of high-quality, flexible modular classroom blocks that are ready to go, offering a quick and efficient solution for your educational space. Our modular buildings are constructed with cutting-edge materials, exceeding safety standards and are built to last.

Wernick Buildings are dedicated to supporting schools and safeguarding the well-being of both students and staff.

  

To advance your educational space, contact Wernick Buildings today.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WERNICK WEBSITE

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86 sq m of additional teaching space in just eight weeks

Primary school gains 86 sq m of additional teaching space in just eight weeks

A Shropshire primary school has gained an additional 86 sq m of teaching space following construction, by SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, of a new building that serves as an exemplar of cost and time efficient construction in challenging school environments.

Short Wood Primary School in Wellington, Telford had enjoyed continued growth leading to a lack of flexible spaces equally suitable for teaching, breakout sessions and planning away from the classroom.  In a bid to address this, the school had repurposed the existing library but was conscious that this wasn’t a long-term solution, and more space was necessary.  However, its existing architecture limited the options for an extension to the main building.

Mike Sambrook, MD at SJ Roberts Construction, comments:

 

“Short Wood Primary School holds Green Flag Eco status, meaning that any additional building needed to not only compliment the local landscape, but prove its energy efficiency and deliver utmost value for money.

 “These are challenges faced by many schools and whilst the team at Short Wood had considered a variety of extension and modular options, once we reviewed their needs it became apparent that a traditional timber frame open panel system clad in timber with a flat roof would provide them with the best solution.  The added benefit being that it fell under Permitted Development Rights, meaning no planning permission was required.”

 

The 86 sq m building was delivered in just eight weeks from site preparation to completion, and the use of heavy machinery was limited to school holidays meaning the site could remain operational throughout the build.

As well as its speed of construction, the new school building boasts a “B” energy efficiency rating and is heated by a modern Air Source Heat Pump.  Significantly for the education sector where budgets are under continual scrutiny, the entire build cost under £175,000.

Commenting on the new teaching space, Head Teacher Gail Butele, is clear on the benefits that the build approach brought to the school:

“Having been aware for a while that we needed to expand, being introduced to the team at SJ Roberts and their proposed solution, proved a real turning point.  They listened to our needs, adapted some of the designs we’d already been working on and provided a solution that ticked all the boxes.

 “Being an operational school environment brings with it a host of considerations in terms of disruption, on-site safety and of course, cost!  The team at SJ Roberts, however, couldn’t have been more aware of all these.  From the start, they shared clear plans and schedules; worked seamlessly with our site manager to ensure all school considerations were met safely; and they took the time to engage with pupils as their imaginations were sparked by the work being carried out.

 “The Lodge – as we now affectionately refer to the new building – has blended seamlessly with our wider environment, and we’re all still amazed at not only how quickly it was constructed, but just how little disruption there was.”

 

Speaking of the benefits that this approach brings to schools, Mike Sambrook concludes:

 

“Short Wood Primary school is not alone in facing the combined challenges of additional classroom space, minimal disruption, and limited budgets.  However, as this project has proven, a stylish, practical and energy efficient solution can be delivered quickly and cost effectively and we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss similar needs with schools elsewhere.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE SJ ROBERTS WEBSITE

 

 

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A glimpse of an offsite future . . .

Here, James Withey, Managing Director at Algeco offsite, looks at how innovation in the design and delivery of modular platforms is driving forward the new schools building programme.

The pressing need for additional places is driving significant changes in the type of construction technique specified, with the government pushing for platform-based solutions.

In 2020, the UK government published its Construction Playbook – a document which aimed to set the future direction for the construction industry. It contained the following recommendations: Standardise designs, components and interfaces as much as is possible to improve quality, safety, performance and reduce environmental impact and; Drive innovation and Modern Methods of Construction, through standardisation and aggregation of demand, increased client capability and setting clear requirements of suppliers.

Previously, the Government had stated that five central government departments would adopt a presumption in favour of offsite construction, leveraging their buying power to support the modernisation of the sector. Their goal was to facilitate a platform approach to design for manufacture and assembly (P-DfMA). This is a process by which building products and components are designed in a way that enables them to be made on a large scale and then factory assembled.

This platform based approach requires components that are designed digitally for use across multiple types of built asset, which minimises the need for bespoke components for different types of assets. For example, the same modular building component could be used in the construction of a school, hospital or university accommodation.

As part of the consortium of partners that developed the Seismic, which uses a platform-based approach and takes its lead from P-DFMA, we like to think that we are strong proponents of standardised, offsite construction. We are living, breathing and delivering on the government’s objectives – and taking a leading role in the transformation of the industry as a whole.

There are good reasons why we took this approach, with P-DFMA modular construction techniques able to deliver projects in up to half the time of a conventional build, whilst achieving important synergies around cost, efficiency, build quality and safety.

Northampton School for Boys

Partly in response to a need for high quality teaching spaces, Northampton School for Boys applied to the Department for Education (DfE) to open a co-educational Free School. At the time of the application, extensive public consultation with the local community showed considerable support for the proposal. The site for the proposed school was owned by Northamptonshire County Council and the new facility would help meet the need for school places that were forecasted.  Following public consultation, the proposal was successful in gaining DfE funding and it was subsequently named Northampton School for Boys Multi-Academy Trust. The new school will create a 1200 place new secondary school, including sixth form provision for 11-18 year olds. It is a state funded single sex boys’ school. Girls are admitted to the Sixth Form.

Algeco was appointed to construct the school on behalf of the Department for Education who are funding the school. When completed, the school will be operated by the Northampton School for Boys Charitable Trust. Fittingly for such a forward thinking school, we will deliver the construction programme using the Seismic platform.

We secured the project via the MMC1 Lot 1 modular framework and were appointed as Principal Design & Build Contractor, working with Watson Batty Architects. Our approach will provide a full turnkey solution. Work began on site in January 2023.  A combination of our offsite and modular building construction system was chosen to deliver the programme. Utilising the Seismic platform for the modules will realise significant benefits; it is 75% faster and achieves a 47% improvement in value compared to traditional construction techniques; it even offers a 33% improvement in speed when compared with standard modular construction.  Seismic delivers in other areas, too. It results in a significant reduction in both operational and embodied carbon of up to 70%. This is achieved through factors including design efficiency, materials selection and manufacturing effectiveness, leading to limited wastage.

A total of 210 Seismic modules will be supplied to create the main teaching areas. We will also be utilising a hybrid structure for the halls, which require large open plan internal spaces.  Delivering these important programme benefits is helped by the fact that we manufacture the modular buildings at our facility in East Yorkshire. Utilising DfMA (Design for Manufacturing Assembly) and Lean Manufacturing, combined with Seismic design platform, allows us to deliver the modules with a high PMV (Pre Manufacturer Value) of around 80 percent. This reduces the amount of work required on site and means that we can achieve the strict schedule on this project. The building modules will be delivered to site in August 2023. Handover of the completed school is scheduled to take place in 2024.

From a practical point of view, achieving a high PMV means that important compliance assessments can be carried out on the modules before they arrive on site, meaning it is done in a controlled, quality assessed environment that has strict procedures in place. That is important because, for example, carrying out fire and thermal performance testing on site is often a challenge due to it requiring continual observation and assessment throughout the entire build process to verify that the correct approach has been followed at each stage.

Doing this in a factory, where strict procedures and checks are in place is much easier and results in a more robust end result. In reality, it means that the building will perform better. In reality, they’re really aren’t issues with Seismic because of rigorous factory testing and we are exploring next phase developments on Seismic that will create pre-approved solutions.

Track record of project delivery

In line with the latest government guidance and policy, the Seismic platform was developed to drive a major shift towards a more productive, better quality and lower carbon construction industry.  Developed by a consortium of organisations, including ourselves, this cross-sector platform for construction projects uses the latest in digital and manufacturing technologies.  The platform facilitates the design, procurement, manufacture and assembly of buildings using standardised and interoperable components and assemblies. It enables contracting authorities to collaborate and benefit from increased efficiencies across different sectors.

We are currently the only company to supply offsite and modular buildings using the Seismic platform, enabling us to ‘manufacture at scale standardised building modules whilst maintaining exemplary quality levels. It’s currently being utilised in another major construction project, the £19.2m Laurance Calvert Academy in Leeds, along with several leisure and retail projects.

Designed in line with the government’s Construction 2025 targets, modular manufacturing programme makes a step change in the shift to a more productive, better quality and lower carbon construction industry. As a matter of course, we now guide any educational establishment looking to renew or expand their estates to consider the benefits of a platform-based approach. It has already been added to the Construction Platform Rulebook.

This approach uses a small number of repeatable base designs, whether the resulting component module is being used for a classroom, changing area or student accommodation unit. The standard design can then be tailored to meet individual customer needs later on the process, leading to significant economies of scale.   The platform has been transformational; previously the bottleneck in the modular industry was making the steel frame, yet with Seismic we have been able to more than quadruple our throughput. That has made a huge difference for customers looking for efficiencies in their construction programme.

 

Shown are images of the Build process of new Laurence Calvert modules from Algeco in Carnaby Bridlington. Images Copyright ©Darren Casey DCimaging

Consolidating growth  Recent project wins for Algeco came at the close of a very successful year, which saw us secure around £95m of new business, many within the education sector.  This year, we will consolidate this growth by investing in the expansion of our Carnaby factory in East Yorkshire to increase capacity. This includes ongoing investment in DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) and Lean Manufacturing to further unlock the benefits of standardised, platform-based construction and efficiency. Ultimately, it will drive a major shift towards a more productive, better quality and lower carbon construction industry.  There’s no doubt that developers, planners and manufacturers across the board are operating in difficult times, and the current economic climate requires us all to achieve more with less. But by adopting efficient approaches such as offsite construction platforms, combined with DfMA and Lean Manufacturing, the industry will be better able to achieve government targets and reduce costs and emissions, whilst delivering projects more efficiently.  In short, by adopting offsite construction more widely, and at the planning and design stages, the industry will be well-placed to meet the challenges ahead.

CLICK HERE

For more information on Algeco’s offsite solutions,

including our latest projects

 

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Modular building blends in perfectly at Martin High School

 

Students and teachers at Martin High School are enjoying a beautiful new classroom block at their school in Anstey, Leicestershire.

Classroom space for the Humanities department was limited. The department’s classrooms were far too spread out across the site, which was not the ideal learning environment to deliver the desired curriculum. The school sought to replace an old, small pre-fabricated block of classrooms with a modern bespoke building to serve as a centralised Humanities hub.

Through a competitive tender process overseen by Surveyors 2 Education, Wernick Buildings was awarded the project by the Lionheart Educational Trust.

A two-storey modular building was a more cost-effective solution for the Trust. The client remarked that a modular option allowed them to get more value for money across all project operations. It was also a more time-efficient choice. Unlike traditional buildings, a modular classroom block is manufactured and assembled in a controlled factory environment in a matter of weeks, drastically reducing the time spent onsite.

 

Wernick provided a full turnkey solution, complete with the demolition of the existing building and a full internal and external services package. To ensure that the building not look out of place, the block was designed to match the existing architecture of the surrounding buildings.

Each of the building’s 20 modules were manufactured in Wernick’s dedicated facility in South Wales. The offsite manufacture of the building modules in a factory environment gave the project several advantages. Firstly, the building could be constructed at the same time as the foundations were being prepared onsite, dramatically reducing disruption on the school site, and allowing students to continue learning without interference. Manufacture was also not affected by site conditions like the weather, making the programme even more reliable. This was vitally important for the school, with the building deadline being set within the academic school year.

Wernick’s manufacturing process was also a sustainable option for the client. The controlled conditions used to build modular units means almost no waste goes to landfill. Everything is filtered for recycling, and what can’t be recycled is shredded and distributed to a local “energy from waste” plant.

Once complete, the modules were transported to the school in Leicestershire via lorry. Due to the tight footprint of the site, the client worked closely with building crews to make sure there was sufficient space to proceed. The Wernick team proposed using a retaining wall to assist with the tight logistics of the area. Modules were then craned into position and bolted together to form the core of the building. A robust brick-skin cladding was later added to the core to give a more traditional construction appearance which perfectly matched the existing campus buildings.

Construction on the project was completed in October 2022. Both students and teachers continuously say that the block “looks like a traditional building.” External features include a large frontal canopy, an exterior staircase and curtain walling. It also has been outfitted with an energy-efficient heating and ventilation system. The interior is equipped with a customised, technology-rich IT suite, five spacious classrooms and several staff offices. Other indoor features include toilets and accessible toilets on each floor, an accessible platform lift next to the stairs, and storage areas.

Users of the building say they are enjoying the new teaching block. Oliver Willis, Project Manager at the Lionheart Educational Trust said,

 

“the feedback from the building’s users has been very positive. They are very thankful to have this building. There is great quality throughout the building. Students are able to learn and thrive in the space.”

 

Wernick Buildings has decades of experience in delivering modular solutions in the education sector and is highly skilled at working around live academic building settings. Design, manufacture and site teams are located in-house, providing you with a single point of contact for peace of mind throughout the project. Wernick’s flexible modular systems provide cost efficiency, shorter and more reliable programmes, and improved quality and sustainability.

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WERNICK MODULAR SCHOOL BUILDINGS

 

 

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TG Escapes design Biophilic School concept using MMC

Young people in the UK today are facing a perfect storm. The 21st century has seen technology impact natural human interaction whilst the pandemic has compounded the problems associated with reduced socialisation and global warming is a growing source of anxiety. It is no wonder that the mental well-being of children and young people is falling under this huge strain which is representing a key challenge for schools, teachers and parents. As many as 10% of children aged five to 16 have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem1 . Currently, one third of people aged eight to 24 report an increase in mental health and wellbeing issues2.

Exposure to Nature

Whilst it is clear that there is not a single, magic solution to the problem, it is well known that reconnection with nature can play a major role in enhancing a child’s development, mental resilience and capacity to thrive and learn. A study between Aarhus University in Denmark and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the US, children who grow up in greener surroundings have up to 55% less risk of developing various mental disorders. Biophilia, or a love of the natural world, is programmed into our DNA and appropriate architectural design can serve to nurture our deep-rooted need to connect to nature.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design in classrooms has been shown to boost children’s wellbeing both physically and mentally. Noisy, open plan classrooms can cause stress and fatigue which can be alleviated by exposure to nature resulting in improved cognitive ability and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, adding sensory elements from the living natural environment can inspire curiosity, imagination and discovery whilst offering a significant boost to learning by way of increased attendance, improved behaviour and increased focus.

Improved Educational Outcomes

These benefits have been proven by a variety of scientific experiments. One study by A Sigman shows that children exposed to nature scored higher on concentration and self-discipline than control group students and performed better in core curricular subjects. Another study by Human Spaces found that by optimising exposure to daylight, attendance can increase by more than three and a half days a year, whilst test scores can improve by between 5 and 14% with speed of learning boosted by as much as 26%. A further study has shown that a timber classroom can reduce the heart rate of occupants by 8600 beats per day versus a traditional classroom, indicating stress relief.

A Biophilic School

Having practised the implementation of biophilic design principles for many years, TG Escapes wanted to design an entirely biophilic primary school that is sensitive to the environment, cost effective and practical to build using modern methods of construction.

They have designed a new single-entry nursery and primary concept school. Constructed almost entirely from timber, the school will have a low embodied carbon value; be highly sustainable and net-zero in its lifetime. Furthermore, it will be more affordable to build, maintain and run than traditionally constructed buildings. In addition, renewable energy generation will be built into the design at every opportunity.

The design comprises separate pavilions for various school functions, connected by covered walkways and canopies and arranged to envelop a central landscaped, terraced area with an outdoor class at its centre. This promotes an interaction and connection with nature. It encourages sociability and play, whilst maximising the opportunity for outdoor learning, exercise and fresh air in all weathers.

Cost and Carbon

The building will be cost effective to build and to operate and extremely eco-friendly. As TG Escapes are utilising an existing, panelised modular system, they are able to make a whole life carbon calculation. The total cost of the build, (excluding landscaping and services which will be site specific) will be £4m. Comparing this design to the EBDOG benchmark survey for primary, the scheme provides 7.31m2 per pupil (including circulation) versus the benchmark 5.69m2. The benchmark shows that an average cost of a net-zero school is around £2500 pm2. Their biophilic buildings come in at only £1,823 pm2 leaving plenty of headroom for external works.

The whole life carbon calculation exceeds the RIBA 2030 target for schools.

Biophilic Schools. Better for the Environment. Better for our Children

TG Escapes believe that our relationship with nature is a cornerstone foundation for robust mental health and a young mind’s capacity for learning. They are working with MTM Consulting to identify a suitable site to build a biophilic school that can help to provide a better future for our children and the world in which they live. They are also happy to work with education groups should they have a project to suit this biophilic approach.

 

For more information call 0800 9127 7726

or CLICK HERE to email TG Escapes

[1] As many as 10% of children aged five to 16 have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem LINK

[2] Barnardo’s Big Conversation 2020 LINK

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MCAVOY DELIVERS PROJECTS IN EDUCATION AND HEALTH SECTORS VALUED AT OVER £40m 

 Leading offsite manufacturer, McAvoy, has completed the handover of three major contracts worth £40m. 

The projects in both the education and health sectors have utilised the very latest in precision manufacturing techniques and further reinforced McAvoy’s credentials for high quality, fast delivery, and sustainability.

The 6,850m2 Merstham Park School which McAvoy delivered for the Department for Education within just 66 weeks is a purpose-designed 2-3 storey school providing 900 pupils aged 11-16 years with high-quality classrooms, play space, a dance studio, and an all-weather sports pitch.

The pioneering ‘Low Carbon Pathfinder’ project minimises energy usage by implementing the ‘Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green’ energy hierarchy which focuses on reducing the demand for energy at source through passive measures before considering efficient systems and renewable technology.

The use of digital technology and Modern Methods of Construction enabled the reduction of the school’s water demand by more than 30%, operational energy consumption by more than 73% and carbon emissions by almost 60% of the predicted regulated energy use. Low or Zero Carbon Technologies (LZCTs) also provide up to 44% of peak energy demand at the school.

A biophilic approach to the design was also key to enhancing the students’ sensory connection with the natural environment, improving psychological health & wellbeing, increasing levels of relaxation, concentration and cognitive performance, as well as social activation and motivation to learn.

Meanwhile, Stanton Cross Primary School in Wellingborough – a two storey School accommodating 420 pupils aged 4-11 – is an integral element in a £1billion development that is set to transform the East of Wellingborough.

McAvoy delivered the school which includes classrooms, a main hall and kitchen, along with playground, soft play area and a dedicated children’s centre for younger pupils for North Northamptonshire Council within 11 months of signing the contract.

The third major project – this time within the health sector – is a ten-year rental arrangement for the provision of 2no. 48 bed wards at Good Hope Hospital and Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

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