Biophilic Net-Zero Primary School

We want to create a learning environment where we focus on the individual and tailor their education whatever their learning style. We want to give equal status to practical and creative skills, as to academic achievement. We want to give young people the chance to discover who they are and appreciate that this can change with time. We want to nurture environmental citizenship by creating a sustainable built environment.

A completely biophilic environment provides outdoor learning for the majority of the curriculum. Bright, airy buildings provide joyful spaces with high ceilings, exposed timber and abundant glazing for natural ventilation and light.

Clad in natural timber they feature large solar PV arrays for sustainable net-zero operation. Biodiversity will be a priority with bird and bat boxes, insect-supporting structures, natural living roofs, rainwater capture and ongoing tree planting.

Constructed almost entirely from timber, utilising a modular panelised system, providing a low-cost, rapidly erected, high-performance, durable, low-carbon school. The buildings’ layout, landscaping and design is considered holistically to create a stimulating, wholesome, healthy, responsible and cost-effective environment.

The design utilises separate pavilions for various functions, connected by covered walkways and canopies, arranged to envelop a central landscaped, terraced area with an outdoor class at its centre. Promoting interaction and connection with nature, sociability and play, outdoor learning, exercise and fresh air in all weathers. Walkways replace much redundant internal circulation with time outdoors. Supporting various measures such as seating, outdoor play and learning facilities, and sedum roofs.