AS part of its commitment to educational estates, Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd has partnered with Writtle Junior School on its innovative Learning Pod classroom, a new facility that has been designed and built in collaboration with the school’s pupils. Langley has contributed to this initiative through the completion of an educational presentation to the pupils about climate change, construction and sustainability, as well as supporting the construction of the Learning Pod’s roof.
Recognising a need for a new learning space, Writtle Junior School embarked on a project to create a new classroom on its site near Chelmsford in Essex. Nick Taylor, the headteacher of the school, also felt strongly that there was the opportunity to educate and inspire the children by involving them throughout the construction of the Learning Pod.
In November 2016, Nick challenged the children to design their ideal learning space and make suggestions on the features they would include. Architects from a local practice then helped the children to turn their ideas into a detailed building proposal that was submitted for planning approval. Once approved, the children were then involved with liaising with stakeholders on the project from architects, health and safety consultants and planning experts, to quantity surveyors and trade professionals. The aim of this was to allow the children to understand the broad range of people involved in making the building a reality. Construction began in early 2018 and was completed in late 2020, with the children involved at every stage of the build. In the spring term 2021 the children became interior designers and research and helped purchase the furniture for the Pod.
Nick Taylor explained: “Showing our pupils what goes into creating the world around us is extremely valuable. We hope that for some of them this will instil a lifelong passion for architecture and design and even inspire them to follow our experts to pursue careers in the construction industry.”
Langley had originally partnered with the school to improve the longevity of its flat roof estate on the main school building. During the successful installation of the roof, Langley learned more about the plans for the new Learning Pod and agreed to support the school’s initiative. Langley funded the construction of the pod’s roof with the installation of their durable and Broof(t4) compliant TA-25 Flat Roofing System, topped with an extensive green roof system incorporated from the pupil’s design plans. The green roof solution was designed, supplied and installed by industry experts Eco Green Roofs.
Tom Kerr, Sales Director at Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd said: “When we heard about the Learning Pod, we were excited, and eager to support an initiative that introduces pupils of a young age to the construction industry and the different job roles that are available. This is especially important because of the skills gap issue that the industry is facing – something that Langley has been involved with addressing for many years. “
The fact the pod has many sustainable features shows these pupils are already thinking about the environmental and ecological impact. Donating the green roof alongside our waterproofing solution was the least we could do.”
For more information on the services Langley provides for educational estates view their ‘Proactive Flat Roof Asset Management Guide’, register and download it here: www.langley.co.uk/technical-downloads.
To see highlights from the bespoke presentation delivered to the pupils at Writtle Junior School visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP4ywBvz4f8
