Kingsmead primary school
Completed in July 2004 for Cheshire County Council, Kingsmead was the practice’s first primary school commission, which has since become a model for environmental school design in other parts of the UK.
The brief for 150 places and seven classrooms called for a design that would respond to the changing needs of the community and allow the school to expand in a flexible way. Our design response was to introduce an elegant glulam frame which is repeated throughout the footprint, enabling future development to mirror the current structure and provide additional classrooms or support space in a consistent style.
Through the provision of safe pedestrian access and a secure, covered cycle store, it is hoped to encourage cycling and walking as part of the school’s long-term green travel plan.
The design of the building’s roof aids natural ventilation through the structure. it also allows rainwater to be harvested for use in flushing toilets and maintaining the landscape in drought periods.
The north facing classroom design ensures classrooms receive consistent light levels, while allowing controlled sunlight via rooflights. Each classroom has a winter garden with direct access to the play areas.
Each class has an uninterrupted view to green space, incorporating the sports field and landscaped areas of the site.
The school was part of the government's Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education and Skills and was selected as one of the government's M4i (Movement for Innovation) demonstration projects.
Awards
Prime Minister's Better Public Building 2005 - shortlisted
Faculty of Building, Design Award 2005Quality in Construction Award 2005
British Construction Industry Awards 2005: Best small building Award and Best Practice Award
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