Shinfield Primary School

Shinfield Primary School’s scheme expands the existing school from a two-form entry to a three-form entry school. The new build construction of a stand-alone teaching block includes six classrooms, SEN and group rooms, offices, a hall, library and food technology room with aspiration to meet Passivhaus standards using a modular build.

The proposal aims to meet Passivhaus standards to reduce space heating demand and overall energy usage and improve staff comfort and indoor air quality. This is done using a fabric first approach of super insulation with high levels of air tightness and Mechanical Ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to minimise heat loss through ventilation.

The design has been optimised to allow natural daylight and sunlight into the classrooms, by combining north facing glazing and generous roof lights. This also enables cross ventilation, assisted by the natural stack effect, to prevent over-heating in the summer. Photovoltaics are proposed to the south facing roof of the extension to provide the school with a renewable source of electricity and/or hot water, and subsequently reducing their carbon footprint. The proposal also utilizes water-saving measures and low energy lighting/appliances.

The school intends to utilise the building’s low-energy credentials to improve the users’ awareness and pupils’ understanding of sustainability and the wider environment.