N/Dec 2024 • £8 also in this issue: ebf Scotland, 20-21 March 25 Book now for Stable Event’s next education building forum in Scotland Roofing EPDM single-ply roofing membrane enhances sustainability Furniture Fitted furniture helps deliver a vibrant space that sparks creativity also in this issue - hee magazine: Holistic approaches to well-being How to improve student health and well-being Special needs education A new college has opened in Stockport for disabled young people Decarbonising higher education Universities and higher education institutions have an important role to play Sustainability rules och aye at Strathclyde Reusing existing structures rather than building new ones has dramatically reduced embodied carbon in this exciting project
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educationdab.co.uk 3 Thanks Rachel, now let’s get going again ON the face of it, the 19% increase in real terms to £6.7 billion for capital expenditure announced for schools in the Budget is very good news. Particularly as it follows a 12% decrease in DfE capital funding this year, from £6.2bn in 23/24 to £5.5bn. As always though, with DfE spending announcements, close scrutiny is required as to whether this new money will deliver extra projects or just pay for the inflation-hit costs of already announced projects. It is clear that a number of projects that were due to start this year have been delayed. The reason, the DfE says, is that the new Government wanted to check the approved projects were achieving best value for money and called them in for inspection. That’s as may be but it does not inspire confidence that SRP will be kept fully on track, particularly as inflationary pressures are still at work in the sector. Concerns about the Government’s thinking were mounting across the sector before the Budget. A BBC investigation had shown that the many schools on the SRP government rebuilding programme in England are still waiting for shovels to touch the ground. According to the BBC report, by this summer contracts had been awarded to construction companies to rebuild just 62 of the 83 that were due to be awarded by March 2023. Speculation as to the reasons for the hiatus include contractors being reluctant to take on contracts in case building costs exceed the DfE’s target price for each individual school project. Responding to the report, the DfE said the programme is still on track, and the Budget boost would seem to be a good sign that this may well be the case – just as long as the delayed projects are swiftly reactivated. On a different note, as the year draws to its close, all of us here at Stable Media wish to thank our readers and advertisers for their warm support over the past 12 months. We look forward to continuing to feature your work in the year ahead, when we will be moving to produce larger issues each quarter – so more space to feature the sector’s wonderful building projects. A very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you all. Old buildings, new beginnings The University of Strathclyde invited BDP to develop a solution to satisfy the need for high-capacity teaching spaces, and provide a new home for Student Services and the Student Union. Story page p26-p27 Editor Andrew Pring Sales director Julian Walter Media sales manager Barnaby Goodman-Smith Production Nicola Cann Design Sandra Cid Managing director Toby Filby The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. Publishers Stable Publishing Limited, SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. [email protected] Andrew Pring Editor [email protected]
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educationdab.co.uk 5 educationdab.co.uk contents N/Dec 2024 6Morgan Sindall Construction has handed over Pear Tree High School, a new Specialist Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school located in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. 8 Analysis Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was granting the Department for Education a 19% increase in capital expenditure for 2025 but with materials inflation still impacting the sector, how much extra work, if any, this will buy is uncertain. 10 Design Solutions McAvoy’s success at Orsett Heath Academy underlines the potential for offsite manufacturing of large-scale school projects. 12 Event Preview - ebf Scotland Join us at Cameron House, Loch Lomond for Stable Event’s education building forum Scotland, on 20-21 March. Top speakers. Top delegates. Top event. 18 Roofing Carl Bailey of Elevate UK & Ireland discusses how an EPDM single-ply roofing membrane is enhancing sustainability at a Berlin school. 19 Furniture Fitted furniture can help deliver a vibrant space that sparks creativity, as this school shows.
6 educationdab.co.uk news MULBERRY Academy London Dock in London’s Docklands has won the Brick Development Association’s 2024 Award for Best Education Project Built Using Bricks. The academy, which opened in September this year, is a cutting-edge secondary school designed by Architype and built to be Passivhaus-certified. The building showcases a striking architectural design that seamlessly integrates with the historic surroundings. The school's distinctive brick façade, inspired by the area's industrial heritage, is a key feature of the project. The carefully selected materials contribute to the building's visual appeal and its exceptional energy performance. BDA judges said the school is “not only a beautiful and sustainable building but also a valuable asset to the local community, providing first-class education and facilities for generations to come. It reflects the rich history of its surroundings with great care whilst providing a high quality contemporary educational building. Careful consideration has been given to the choice of brick and how it is to be detailed.” The bricks used by Swift Brickwork Contractors were supplied by Ibstock from its Yellow Clamp Stock range. “The 2024 Brick Awards showcase the incredible diversity and versatility of clay brick,” said Rob Flello, CEO of the Brick Development Association. “The winning projects demonstrate the power of clay brick to create beautiful, sustainable, and very long-lasting buildings.” Docklands academy triumphs in Brick Awards Morgan Sindall delivers boost to Stockport SEND provision MORGAN Sindall Construction has handed over Pear Tree High School, a new Specialist Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school located in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. This state-of-the-art facility, operated by the Prospere Learning Trust and funded by the Department for Education (DfE), will provide essential specialist education for 133 students aged 11-19. Pear Tree High School represents a significant enhancement in local SEND provision, offering a transformative learning environment tailored to meet the needs of young people in the area. The school features modern indoor classrooms, a forest school, outdoor classrooms, and a multi-use games area. In addition to its educational facilities, the school includes water gardens, photovoltaic (PV) arrays, and other energy efficiency measures, achieving Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCIO) status. Steven Gregory, North West Area Director, Morgan Sindall, said: “We’re thrilled to hand over Pear Tree High School,a truly exceptional facility that will provide the very best support and learning opportunities for young people with specific learning needs in Stockport. It’s always a pleasure to hand over a completed project but especially when the building in question will be so integral to the future wellbeing of a local community.” Linda Jones, CEO, Prospere Learning Trust, said: "To say we are thrilled and delighted to be in our new school, Pear Tree High School, is an understatement. This is a building that has been designed and built with the children and young people who will attend the school at the centre of the process. We will endeavour to ensure that this built environment will enable us to deliver an exceptional offer to our pupils our pupils, in order that they make the best progress they can and meet their potential.”
THE recent Budget unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves – see Analysis, page 8 – has sparked alarm across the construction sector. Hiking employers’ national insurance rates has caused particular consternation in the industry, where profit margins are slender and the collapse of ISG still fresh in the memory. So too has the change in the inheritance tax regime, which has alarmed the many family businesses that make up the backbone of the sector. THE Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) fears the measures announced in the recent UK budget will trigger a “catastrophic decline” in the plant hire industry. John Sibbald, president of the SPOA, said: “The Budget was described as one of growth but we fear that the economic impact of many of the policies will do the exact opposite in our industry. It is our strong belief that it is not possible to grow the economy through such high levels of taxation, soon to come into force as a result of the autumn budget.” The key areas which the SPOA believes will “irreversibly change” the plant industry are the removal of 100% Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR); the National Insurance (NI) and minimum wage changes; and double cab pick-ups no longer being classed as goods vehicles. The Construction Plant-hire Association is similarly aggrieved at the Budget’s “anti-business” stance. Chief Executive Steve Mulholland, said: ““We believe that the Budget is one of the most anti-entrepreneurial presented in the last forty years.” Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said his members are also unhappy and are in support of the protest demonstrations by farmers. “Many construction companies are generational businesses operating on tight margins, uncertain cashflow and aging workforces. We therefore stand behind farmers who oppose this budget decision because the growth-hindering, anti-business tax changes also apply to our industry.” educationdab.co.uk 7 news ALGECO UK has now completed its £28m Northampton School project, just 18 months after winning the contract to the final pieces of equipment being put into place. It 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. The buildings at the new Northampton School were created utilising modern methods of construction in a qualitycontrolled offsite environment, ensuring the highest standards of workmanship and Health and Safety. Algeco developed the project through a two-phase approach following the receipt of the DfE’s feasibility developing the design in collaboration with the school and all stakeholders, achieving planning permission prior to manufacturing utilising an MMC approach, where the school is manufactured in modules and taken to site following completion. It meant the build was completed in half the three years a traditionally built structure takes to complete. A total of 210 modules were created at the company’s factory in Carnaby and transported by road to the Northampton site. The school is 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 and music rooms. 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” Algeco UK cuts build time in half for £28m Northampton school Budget measures anger construction sector The school halfway through the project
Budget increases welcomed – but concerns over how much new work it buys CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves’s first Budget saw the Department for Education receive £6.7bn of “capital investment” next financial year, which she said was a 19 per cent realterms increase on the current year. The new capital budget includes £1.4bn extra for the existing school rebuilding programme and £2.1bn to improve school maintenance, £300 million more than this year. In addition, further education colleges will receive a £300m increase to invest in the further education estate, The DfE says the additional £1.4bn “means 100 rebuilding projects starting next year and keeps us on track to rebuild 518 schools in total.” The news has been welcomed across the education spectrum, but many contractors, architects and suppliers are still trying to establish how much additional work the new budget will bring. Given the inflationary pressures experienced in the sector over the past two years – and still making themselves felt – much of the DfE increase will be eaten up in covering existing or soon-tostart already-announced projects. That said, the influential consultancy group Surveyors for Education – which helps schools and colleges obtain funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency – has viewed the increase positively, while at the same time sounding a cautious note on future funding programmes. It said:” An increase in funding in phase one of the spending review is a welcome announcement, but capital investment in the remainder of this Parliament is less certain. For context, the increase next year follows a 12% decrease in DfE capital funding this year (24/25), declining from £6.2bn in 23/24 to £5.5bn. Nevertheless, when comparing to overall recent levels of capital available to the DfE, year 25/26 will be significantly more than recent averages. An Institute of Fiscal Studies on school buildings in 2023 found that a three-year average up to 2023-24 (excluding FE) was around £5.2bn.” The Chancellor also confirmed plans for 100 Schools Rebuilding Programme projects to start delivery across England next year, following large delays in the programme (see Leader, page 3). The £2.1 billion to improve school maintenance next year, an increase of £300 million, was also welcomed by contractors and architects. Surveyors for Education notes: “The new government have suggested they intend to continue to prioritise maintenance over rebuilding, which is arguably unsurprising given the situation facing public finances. But it adds: “While these injections of funding are welcome, once spread amongst either individual schools through Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) or by increasing School Condition Allocations to Responsible Bodies, and the amount available for the Condition Improvement Fund, its impact may not be as significant as the headline figures suggest. It will be interesting to see how this additional £300 million will be distributed when the SCA for 25/26 are announced, usually in Spring, next year.” Also noted by commentators was the absence of any DfE acknowledgement of the need for extra investment to tackle schools’ decarbonisation challenge – or how to fund improvement across the whole schools estate – not just the relatively schools in the SRP and maintenance programmes. In its verdict on the Budget, the Times Educational Supplement noted: “Most of this money is just filling holes left by the last government”. 8 educationdab.co.uk analysis
advertisement feature Nowadays, it is not uncommon for school sports halls to double as facilities for the local community. Sports clubs and community groups are frequent users outside of school hours, providing a vital role in promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing. Local spaces form a big part of local authorities’ plans to create more “20-minute neighbourhoods” where essential facilities that enhance lives are brought closer to the areas where people live. Where new schools are planned and built, integrating community benefit and wellbeing form part of this strategy. From a school’s perspective, a stateof-the-art sports hall equipped with a high-quality sports flooring system suitable for a wide range of sports and activities can be an invaluable source of supplementary income. Providing an asset in terms of a safe and highperforming facility can dramatically increase participation levels, and demonstrating a high level of social value will have a strong impact on securing funding. To provide the best possible facilities, how do you choose a flooring surface that will stand up to the expected level of use? Solid wood sports floors have always been regarded as a high-quality choice. A Junckers floor provides a safe, highperforming floor with unbeatable lifecycle costs that fulfil criteria set out by the Department for Education and Sport England. A hard-wearing and long-lasting choice, a Junckers floor is an investment that will outlast any other sports flooring surfaces. It can be sanded and re-finished eight to ten times during its life and with 12-year intervals between sandings, a typical lifespan of 60 years will comfortably be exceeded. Schools can take advantage of Junckers’ Approved Contractors maintenance scheme and 25-year warranty to have periodic inspections of the floor and a regular maintenance programme to keep the floor in optimum condition throughout its life. A solid wood floor from Junckers is also durable enough to accommodate retractable seating, a facility that can significantly increase the potential income for schools. Junckers’ floors can be strengthened in a simple way to cope with very high seating loads whilst leaving the sprung quality of the floor unaffected. A solid hardwood floor has a lot more to offer than simply being a technically advanced sports surface, and the lifespan will often be many times longer than say, a synthetic or engineered wood floor. Solid wood floors are no more or less prone to damage than other floor types, but unusual in that they have a surface treatment that will routinely be reapplied and therefore the effects of wear and tear can, to a great extent, be reversed. In the longer-term, wooden floors can be fully sanded and retreated, something many floor types cannot offer, and it is these properties that give solid hardwood floors such a long life. While a solid hardwood sports flooring system is a feat of engineering, there is no need to treat it with kid gloves. Put it to work for your school and community. It will take some hard treatment - it is designed to, and when the battle scars appear you can refurbish it… time and time again. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @junckersfloors Website: www. junckers.co.uk Can your school’s sports hall be a thriving community hub?
10 educationdab.co.uk design solutions Offsite to the rescue McAvoy’s success at Orsett Heath Academy, following the collapse of the original contractor, reinforces the potential for offsite manufacturing of large-scale school projects WHILE offsite manufacturing and construction is known for its efficiency and quality, often reducing traditional build times by half, its ability to scale for larger projects is possibly less widely recognised. Not limited to smaller education projects, offsite manufacturing is now playing a leading role in delivering the next generation of large-scale school buildings. Orsett Heath Academy McAvoy has set a new standard in modular construction with the completion of its largest project to date - Orsett Heath Academy in Grays, Thurrock, Essex. Commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education, this is a landmark project that highlights the transformative benefits of offsite manufacturing at the scale needed to help the education sector meet the growing demand for fit-for-purpose educational facilities. The 8,610sqm three-storey building comprises 209 modules, including educational spaces such as collaborative breakout areas, a performing arts hub, state-of-the-art classrooms, and staff facilities. McAvoy also handled extensive external works, including landscaping, car and bicycle parking, sports fields, and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). With a capacity for 1,200 pupils aged 11-16, the new academy was urgently needed to replace the existing school after a previous contractor went into administration. McAvoy stepped in to ensure that the school's requirements were met and exceeded, delivering the project one week ahead of schedule. A collaborative effort Procured through the Department for Education's (DfE) Mod C framework, the project was delivered over 15 months, with the team working alongside the school, local planning authorities, and specialists to ensure the design complied with all regulatory and community requirements. To minimise disruption, the majority of the school accommodation, including classrooms and office spaces, was manufactured in a factory-controlled environment. This was important for maintaining consistency of quality and reducing onsite activity, especially given the school's location near a residential and sports area with a busy traffic junction. Key milestones, such as the installation of the modular units, were also scheduled during school holidays and quieter periods to reduce impact on the school and community. The project wasn’t without its challenges. Access to the site was initially limited, which required a temporary entrance under a Section 278 agreement with Thurrock Council. At the same time, the council was engaged in road-widening works and installing new traffic lights to create a permanent entrance for the school. McAvoy worked closely with local authorities to ensure these works did not delay progress onsite. One of the key logistical hurdles was the delivery of the 209 modules. To address road delivery restrictions, McAvoy hired a
educationdab.co.uk 11 design solutions nearby airfield to facilitate the transportation of the modules, which allowed the team to bypass potential delays caused by local road congestion so the modules could be delivered on schedule. The late-stage integration of designs inherited from a previous contractor forced McAvoy to adapt quickly. The team worked quickly to develop these designs in line with its offsite manufacturing approach, guaranteeing a seamless transition and maintaining the integrity of the overall project. McAvoy’s use of digital technologies on the project helped to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. McAvoy used Building Information Modelling (BIM) to create detailed 3D models, which enabled seamless coordination between the project team and facilitated automated clash detection and compliance checks. A Virtual Reality (VR) model of the school was created which allowed the design and delivery teams to review the finer details of the project, resulting in the smooth delivery of the final build and ensuring it met the exact needs and expectations of the client and end users. On the manufacturing side, digital tools supported with material usage and generating precise drawings, helping to reduce waste and improve quality control. During onsite construction, wearable technology and 360-degree cameras provided real-time progress updates, while cloud-based platforms like Procore centralised all project information, supporting transparency and communication between stakeholders. Sustainability was a key priority for the Orsett Heath Academy project, with energy-efficient systems integrated into the school’s design. Air source heat pumps provide heating and hot water, while 111 photovoltaic panels installed on the roof contribute to the building’s energy efficiency by harnessing solar power. McAvoy also prioritised engagement with the local community throughout the project. As part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the project achieved an outstanding score of 44 out of 45 in its second audit. Activities included regular updates to the local community, donations to food banks, local employment opportunities, and site visits for students to learn about the modular build process. Acknowledging the school’s new beginning, McAvoy installed a specially designed four- phase clock on a plinth, symbolising the legacy of the project within the community. Setting new standards The completion of Orsett Heath Academy proves the benefits of offsite manufacturing in delivering large-scale educational facilities efficiently and sustainably. www.mcavoygroup.com
THE event will be drawing together many of the key players in the Scottish design and construction world in this world-class hospitality venue. As well as sitting in on top-level seminar sessions covering the most relevant topics of the day, attendees will be able to meet with a full range of suppliers, leading contractors and architects, schools, university estate managers, education civil servants and other senior figures and key stakeholders. The event also offers an opportunity for speakers who wish to join our seminar session, and present on a topic or project of relevance to the Scottish design and construction scene. If you would like to discuss this opportunity with us, please contact Georgie Smith – details below. What is the format? This year’s forum takes place over 1.5 days on 20 and 21 March 2025 at Cameron House, Loch Lomond, just 25 miles north-west of Glasgow. It offers a unique combination of seminars, 1-1 meetings and engaging networking and social interaction which provide inspiring platforms to create communities that share best practice and build business relationships. The Forum is designed to deliver for built-environment professionals the chance to learn at first-hand what’s really happening in Scotland’s universities, schools and colleges. It really is the perfect opportunity for building owners and suppliers, architects and contractors to exchange ideas and develop their supply chain options in a highly businessefficient environment. Our forums are complimentary to attend if you are actively involved in the design, build, delivery of education buildings, estates and facilities. The only investment is your time, and our aim is to maximise the return on how you spend it. For more details on the Forum, and how to attend, email: [email protected] or phone 020 8288 1080 www.ebf-scotland.co.uk Registration is now open for Stable Event’s next education building forum in Scotland, which takes place on 20 and 21 March 2025 at Cameron House, Loch Lomond. “An excellent way to network with a wide variety of companies within a short space of time, set within a beautiful setting, and whilst dining on fabulous food. A good mixture of a positive networking and an opportunity to socialise with like minded professionals with a relaxed but dedicated environment.” Lungfish Architects “As usual a first-class event held in first class surroundings - the event was a really useful and extremely productive way to meet new clients/ customers. The team at Stable Events made this event enjoyable, it was very worthwhile attending.” Jaymart “A full and informative two day event, supported by an expansive range of suppliers. Speakers and discussions were interesting, relevant and thoughtprovoking. A very worthwhile, well organised event.” Jordanhill School 12 educationdab.co.uk ebfs preview What: education building forum Scotland 2025 When: 20 & 21 March 2025 Where: Cameron House, Loch Lomond Web: www.ebf-scotland.co.uk Cameron House, Loch Lomond - The stunning venue for ebf Scotland 2025 Building better education estates in Scotland
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advertisement feature J&B Hopkins Ltd, the M&E contractor entrusted with the project, understood the critical nature of the deadline. The school's opening loomed in September, leaving little room for error and so partnered with Southern Fire Alarms, a company renowned for its expertise in next-generation fire safety solutions. As time was of the essence, the chosen solution had to be swift to install, reliable and effortless to maintain. With this brief in mind Hochiki Europe's ESP range was chosen; a product line respected for its lightning-fast and accurate threat detection capabilities. The ESP range seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for complex, time-consuming modifications. This perfect marriage of speed, precision, and adaptability made it the ideal choice for Livingstone Academy. Over 400 ESP devices were strategically placed throughout the academy, forming an invisible safety network against potential fire threats. The cutting-edge technology woven into the ESP range enables it to detect fire hazards with remarkable swiftness and accuracy. This translates into minimised damage and significantly faster response times in the unfortunate event of a fire. The importance of minimising disruptions in a learning environment cannot be overstated. False alarms can not only be unsettling but also disrupt valuable class time. Here again, Hochiki’s ESP range proved itself to be the right choice. Naomi Fell, a representative from Southern Fire Alarms, commented: “Hochiki's reputation for reliable devices is what drew us to them in the first place. At Livingstone Academy, with such a large number of occupants, minimising false alarms was an absolute priority.” For areas with a heightened risk of fire, such as science labs, Southern Fire Alarms took additional precautions. Hochiki’s ACD Multi-Sensors were deployed in these critical zones. These EN54 accredited fire detection products boast the ability to detect a trifecta of fire indicators: heat, smoke, and CO. This multi-pronged approach ensures comprehensive protection in environments where even a whiff of danger necessitates an immediate response. The ease of installation offered by the ESP range was another detail that resonated with the Southern Fire Alarms team. All ESP devices share a universal mounting base, streamlining the installation process and saving valuable time. As Naomi Fell further elaborates, “We've had the pleasure of working with Hochiki products on numerous projects across diverse sectors for years now. They consistently impress us with their commitment to designing and manufacturing dependable devices that are also incredibly easy to install.” Livingstone Academy’s story exemplifies the perfect synergy between cutting-edge technology, adept planning, and a shared vision for safety. By choosing Hochiki Europe’s ESP range, the school secured an invisible shield, safeguarding its precious community and ensuring that the only bells that ring at Livingstone Academy are those that herald the start of the school day. To learn more about Hochiki’s range of devices for your next school project visit: www.hochikieurope.com Livingstone Academy Chooses Hochiki Europe for Advanced Fire Safety Livingstone Academy Bournemouth, a trailblazer in education, wasn’t just setting new standards for curriculum when it opened its doors for the first time in September 2023. This all-through school, encompassing students from ages four to eighteen, was equally committed to creating a safe and secure environment. With a bustling community of over 1,800 students and staff spread across a unique blend of contemporary buildings and historically significant structures, including a preserved magistrates’ court, a robust fire safety system became paramount.
educationdab.co.uk 15 air quality Better indoor air quality at Midlands SEN school BREATHING Buildings, a leading provider of controlled hybrid ventilation systems, has supplied ventilation to High Point Academy, a secondary school for students with complex learning difficulties in Wednesbury, West Midlands. The 90-pupil school features classrooms that are designed to be safe and calming for autistic pupils, it includes a range of specialist rooms that enhance the children’s experience. In addition to this specialist learning environment, the twostorey school benefits from Breathing Buildings’ NVHR (Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling) hybrid ventilation units that help provide good indoor air quality and keep the school warm in winter and cool in summer. This boosts comfort and health which is essential for the pupils’ learning and wellbeing. The school was built by Tilbury Douglas and was delivered under the Department for Education’s free schools’ programme. M&E contractor David Paradine specified and installed the Breathing Buildings ventilation units to provide cost effective, energy efficient and comfortable, draught-free ventilation. Eleven pairs of NVHR+ 900 units with heating coils were installed in the school’s classrooms while three roof mounted S1500 E-stack units were installed in the main hall. The NVHR+ 900 was ideal for the project since it incorporates a heater into the NVHR system allowing room pre-heating, and enhanced control over the temperature of air being delivered to the space during occupancy. This meant that radiators were not required in the classrooms. As a SEN school it was also very important to ensure that noise levels were low and so attenuation was vital in this project. “We have worked on a range of education projects and have been impressed with Breathing Buildings’ ventilation. The company offers great design support, and its hybrid ventilation solutions are easy to install and use, providing great indoor air quality and comfort for the pupils and staff,” said a spokesperson at David Paradine. “Furthermore, since NVHR+ 900 incorporates a heater, it meant that radiators were not required, saving on the cost of installation for the school, making the SEN school safer for its autistic pupils, and resulting in improved thermal comfort for pupils and staff.” Breathing Buildings’ NVHR® hybrid ventilation system is designed specifically to meet the robust ventilation criteria set out for schools in BB101. Its facadebased mixing ventilation allows singlesided, enhanced natural ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains to deliver thermal comfort and indoor air quality. The system offers almost 50% reduction in energy savings and operating costs, a huge benefit in today’s energy crisis, and comprises both natural and mechanical ventilation. Allowing lowenergy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer. It also optimises indoor air quality, comfort and efficiency by automatically switching between natural, hybrid and mechanical ventilation, maximising benefits. Featuring easy-to-use controls with manual override the NVHR® allows schools without a Building Management System (BMS) to benefit from the technology while also offering full BMS integration. Importantly, room temperature and CO2 sensors further ensure comfort in schools and compliance with BB101. The Breathing Buildings S1500L E-stack ventilation system is designed for rooms which have access to the exterior via the roof with occupancy levels of approximately 100 persons, making them ideal for school halls, libraries, studios and sports centres. In summer, low-level opening windows bring warm, fresh air directly onto occupants and the S-Series units with their roof terminals act as a high-level exhaust vents. In winter, a mixing ventilation strategy operates – this eliminates cold draughts and the use of preheating radiators/heating batteries and hence has major energy saving benefits. www.breathingbuildings.com www.dpmep.com www.tilburydouglas.co.uk
16 educationdab.co.uk playgrounds Inclusive playgrounds are not just for special schools With even primary age children spending much time on their devices, it’s vital they get the chance to play outside at school, says Andrew Wood, owner of ESP Play MANY playground designers don’t spend enough time considering the needs of less physically able children. And even those who do think of these children also need to consider that inclusive design doesn’t have to mean the playground is only for children with disabilities. It’s about inclusion and not exclusion - everyone should have equal access to play. According to the most recent figures, 11% of children in the UK have a physical disability and 17% have Special Education Needs. Many of these children will be in mainstream schools which don’t have suitable outdoor activities for them. As experienced educators know, by providing children with a place to play, schools are actively encouraging children to develop and grow, while allowing them to have fun. By creating inclusive playgrounds for younger children, schools will witness improvements in sensory and physical development alongside behavioural changes. Using an inclusive range of playground equipment not only allows the children to participate in high quality physical activity, but also encourages them to learn while they play. A well-designed play area helps promote physical activity, excitement, social skills and behavioural changes, while promoting multi-sensory engagement and positive behaviour. ESP Play recently completed two new playground installations at the Stephen Hawking School, Tower Hamlets, London. This project marks the third collaboration between ESP Play and the SEN school, showcasing the ongoing commitment to create inclusive and stimulating play environments for children with learning difficulties. Stephen Hawking School serves approximately 104 pupils aged two to 11, the majority of whom have profound and multiple learning difficulties along with sensory and physical impairments. The school is dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and challenging environment with high expectations for all children. This is supported by specialist teachers, extensive on-site therapeutic services and a passionate commitment to the holistic development of each pupil. ESP’s design teams were faced with multiple challenges to overcome to ensure the playground was of the standard to suit those using it, such as: •Ensuring sensory equipment was correct, integrating; sound, movement, texture and colour elements to provide a rich sensory experience •Making equipment accessible, offering opportunities for all children, including those in wheelchairs •Providing quiet areas, designed for children to sit alone or in small groups, providing a calm and safe environment •Ensuring seamless wheelchair access across the play areas, as well as for visually impaired children Lisa Payne, School Business Manager at Stephen Hawking School, said: “We recently had two playgrounds installed during term time. ESP ensured there was as little impact on the children as possible and worked hard to get it ready in time for the summer term. “Our children can now access parts of the playground that weren’t available to them before, experience the feel of the wind as they spin on the roundabout and swoosh down the slides. Their giggles and smiles tell us that they love their playground and we know that ESP has made it safe for them to explore.” By looking at inclusive playgrounds, schools can guarantee that all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to play, socialise, and develop essential skills. By investing in inclusive playgrounds, schools can create a more welcoming and equitable environment for all students. www.espplay.co.uk
educationdab.co.uk 17 interiors Donna Hannaway, Head of Marketing UK and Ireland at Forbo Flooring Systems, says colour is key in the design of modern school buildings IDEALLY, developing an interior design scheme for a classroom requires a holistic approach and a multitude of factors to consider, including lighting, the needs of the students, acoustics and of course, the use of colour. Yet colour within a school setting is about more than just aesthetics. Colour has an important role in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment, with research and studies also showing that it can impact the behaviour, attention levels and learning outcomes for students. Understanding the basics of colour psychology can help to develop interior design schemes and suitable colour palettes. For example, blues and greens are widely considered to create feelings of tranquillity and calm, yellows promote creativity and oranges feelings of energy. Also underpinning this colour theory is biophilic design, with the understanding that, the more connected to nature we are the better it is for our wellbeing. As one of the largest surfaces in any building, flooring can play a fundamental role in helping to establish an interior design scheme and inject colour. Modern flocked textile flooring is an excellent option for schools. Whilst it has always been a sensible and practical choice, being durable and easy to clean, the latest production technologies have made it far easier for manufacturers to digitally print onto flocked flooring, making it one of the best options in terms of creativity and design freedom too. For example, Flotex is Forbo’s own trusted portfolio of flocked flooring that has been carefully curated into a wide range of digitally printed collections, with a huge array of colourways and options. Within them sits Forbo’s Flotex Vision range of flocked flooring, which offers something for school environments wanting to help connect students to nature as well; with highly realistic biophilic designs that draw inspiration from organic elements such as grass, pebbles and autumn leaves. Utilising colour to help establish the best possible environment for students should be high on the agenda for modern school buildings. However, the reality is that flooring solutions have to perform for the long term. This is another reason why contemporary flocked flooring can be a real saviour for schools; by combining the design and comfort of a textile with all the functional benefits of a resilient flooring solution. It can provide staff and students with excellent underfoot comfort and great sound absorbing properties, as well as outstanding durability and cleanability. Lasting far longer than traditional carpet, flocked flooring can withstand extreme wear and high traffic – durability that can be taken even further through the installation of a high-quality entrance flooring system. The education sector can also pose challenges when it comes to major flooring refurbishments, with a limited window of opportunity in which to carry out the works. Here, adhesive-free flocked flooring can be ideal, being both quick to install and able to be walked on immediately after. With the innovative Flotex Next backing, Forbo’s Flotex Advance offers adhesive-free installations, while also being approved by Allergy UK for healthier indoor environments. When it comes to the use of colour within a school environment, whether that is the classroom or indeed any other area, it can have a significant impact on how students will feel and behave in that space. Updating the flooring can be an effective way to make a large and positive transformation in one hit. Flocked flooring can be an ideal solution, providing both design and colour freedom and ensuring the facilities benefit from a flooring option that is easy to maintain, keeping its appearance for many school years to come. www.forbo.com/flooring/enuk/commercial-products/flotex-flockedflooring/ctbual Giving students a colourful education
18 educationdab.co.uk exteriors Carl Bailey, regional technical manager for Elevate UK & Ireland, discusses the eco-friendly extension of a Berlin school and how an EPDM single-ply roofing membrane is enhancing sustainability DESIGNED by German architectural practice, MONO Architekten, the extension of Free Waldorf School in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, marked a distinct departure from the original architectural style. Tasked with extending a 1970’s prefabricated building spanning five storeys, the architects opted for a more contemporary and visually dynamic appearance. Stretching towards the sports hall, the extension provides the school’s courtyard with a structural back to the street and a clear centre. The projections and recesses create different outdoor areas for various uses. A cluster of pentagonal structures in different sizes join to form the unusual building with roof slopes designed in different directions. With sustainability at the core of the project, MONO Architekten used natural and renewable materials wherever possible. The structures of the extension are timber framed and the outer walls filled with building straw and plastered with clay. Untreated larch wood planks of various widths serve as exterior cladding to evoke the feeling of a calm oasis in the middle of the busy European capital. Coloured clay plaster, wooden floors and wall heating integrated into the outer clay walls create a welcoming interior environment. The entire roof area, including the pentagonal structures, is topped with green roofs to emulate the appearance of lush mossy stones and provide more space for nature. A mix of low-growing herb grasses was selected, which during flowering season offer a colourful display to the children while attracting beneficial insects such as pollinators, improving local biodiversity. More generally, in addition to their aesthetic value, the green roofs offer further benefits, particularly in the urban setting. As well as having a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing, the roofs will help to mitigate the urban heat island effect by returning moisture to the environment while providing good thermal and sound insulation. In line with the architect’s creative vision, the roofing membrane for the new extension had to be sustainable, efficient, versatile and flexible, offering a perfect fit for the irregular shapes of the building. It also had to be lightweight and robust enough to provide a durable foundation for the green roof system. To meet these needs, Elevate’s RubberGard EPDM single-ply roofing membrane was specified. Made of synthetic rubber, EPDM membranes are designed for waterproofing flat and low slope roofs and have sustainable features widely recognised by international institutions. Greenpeace, GreenTeam and the Dutch Institute for Building Biology and Ecology (NIBE) have named it as the roofing membrane with the least environmental impact, offering a durable, long-term solution for modern architecture. In its latest evaluation, NIBE states that EPDM roofing membranes are the most environmentally friendly choice for flat roofs. Carried out every two years, the analysis compares the initial costs (material and installation costs) as well as all hidden environmental costs (raw material consumption, energy consumption during production) of roofing membranes from different manufacturers. The design and quality of the completed green extension has been widely recognised. The project topped the ‘Public Building - New Buildings & Existing Buildings’ category in Germany’s Federal Timber Construction Plus competition. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture grants this prize every two years, rewarding exemplary buildings made with renewable raw materials. www.holcimelevate.com Green roof takes the plaudits in Germany
educationdab.co.uk 19 furniture How fitted furniture shapes smarter classrooms Modern classrooms should offer a vibrant space that sparks creativity, improves focus and adapts to the ever-evolving needs of learning. At the heart of this lies the power of smart, fitted furniture suggests Tony Huggins, managing director of David Bailey Furniture Systems incorporating Toprail TODAY'S classrooms are embracing dynamic new designs and configurations and fitted furniture plays a key role. High-quality, built-to-last units offer sturdy storage, adaptable shelving and flexible solutions that seamlessly adjust to any learning environment. But classrooms are more than just about storage, they are playgrounds for young minds. This is where fitted furniture truly shines, offering an "infinite range" of colours to inject personality and purpose, complemented by walls painted in calming greens, storage units in energising yellows and shelving in playful blues. Each colour has been proven to foster engagement to reflect the individual nature of each space. Equally important is classroom hygiene, that prioritises infection control through clever design elements. Think easy-clean, sloping storage tops that prevent bacteria build-up, and smooth, high-quality materials that can be effortlessly disinfected. This commitment to hygiene allows schools to focus on what truly matters – fostering a safe and healthy learning environment. Fitted furniture units should be built to endure the daily wear and tear of classroom life. Robust materials are needed to handle spills, knocks, and the occasional enthusiastic chair tumble without a problem. A commitment to quality guarantees furniture that lasts, saving schools money in the long run and ensuring a classroom remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Open classrooms, while fostering collaboration, can also be noisy. Good fitted furniture, strategically placed, can help to reduce noise levels and ensure clear communication, reduce stress, and create a calm environment conducive to optimal learning. And modular fitted furniture systems allow for personalised configurations to cater to individual learning styles and needs. Reconfigurable storage units facilitate instant group work, while versatile shelving systems promote the flow of ideas and teamwork. Smart storage solutions also help declutter classrooms and make efficient use of space, allowing teachers to focus on fostering learning, not battling messy desks and overflowing shelves. The learning experience should not be confined to the classroom. Common areas can be transformed into collaborative hubs with robust, fitted furniture, fostering informal learning and social interaction. This holistic approach extends the learning space beyond the four walls, creating a truly vibrant and engaging campus environment. A growing body of research has also highlighted the positive correlation between well-designed learning environments and academic performance. Studies by the University of Salford have shown that classrooms with flexible furniture and natural light lead to increased student engagement and improved test scores. Innovative schools around the world are putting this research into practice. Take Australia's Marist College, where flexible furniture and mobile walls allow for instant reconfiguration, catering to diverse learning styles and activities. Students flourish in a space that adapts to their needs, not the other way around. Investing in intelligent design for classrooms is more than just an aesthetic upgrade - it's an investment in the future. By fostering a space that inspires creativity, fuels collaboration and prioritises well-being, we can nurture the potential of every student and cultivate a generation of lifelong learners. It is possible to break free from the shackles of rigid classrooms and embrace the possibilities of intelligent design. www.education.davidbaileyfurniture.co.uk
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