The scheme for Worcestershire County Council is believed to be the first modular education building to be heated using biomass fuel and the first to incorporate such a complex passive, low energy ventilation system.
The two-storey building was manufactured off site in York, which reduced the programme time for such a challenging project to just 22 weeks. 60 steel-framed modules have created clear internal spans of up to 12m for space planning flexibility and were craned into position complete with windows and partitions pre-installed in the factory to improve quality.
The modular scheme provides 12 general classrooms, two science laboratories, a creative area and administrative centre. It is linked to a traditionally-constructed drama and dance studio.
Other design features include:
- central heating powered by an environmentally friendly ‘biomass' boiler to minimise carbon emissions
- passive ventilation to monitor carbon dioxide and temperature levels in each classroom, and to create a constant change of air within the building without draughts. - timber cladding from sustainable sources
- a highly glazed activity studio with high levels of natural light - a striking bespoke roof structure.
