Brief
This project is designed to meet LETI standards, focusing on low energy use intensity (EUI) to align with Essex County Council’s Net Zero targets.
The project brief called for the design and construction of a new two-form entry (2FE) primary school with integrated Early Years to form part of the Redrow Westley Green housing development in Basildon, Essex.
Key Info
Location:
Basildon, Essex
Contract Type:
Design and Build
Client:
Barnes Construction / Essex County Council
Contractor:
Barnes Construction
Completion Date:
October 2024
Project Value:
£10.8m
Scope
Chapel Hill has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the local housing development, responding to the vernacular of the surrounding houses and adjacent local centre.
The building design looked to follow LETI principles regarding form factor, orientation and building envelope and comprises a linear building footprint with a central hall separating the early years and primary education areas which comprise 14 new classrooms, SEND specialist teaching areas and a library.
Concertus were appointed to provide multi-disciplinary services throughout the scheme with MEP services up until RIBA Stage 3. The design aims to achieve 100% reduction in CO2 emissions by implementing energy efficiency measures and offsetting any remaining carbon through renewable technologies. This includes installing 242 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, air source heat pumps (ASHP), variable-temperature heating systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).
A fabric-first design approach ensures low air permeability and enhanced energy efficiency. The two-storey school is constructed on a reinforced raft foundation using structural insulated panels (SIPs), and its U-values exceed the requirements set by building regulations. The landscape design creates pockets of external play suitable for differing needs including quiet areas, shaded seating areas, formal soft play and a hard ball court, in addition to parking for vehicles and bikes with electric vehicle charging points.
The scheme also included an extensive pumped drainage system with attenuation and sub-base storage to complement a comprehensive and functional layout for the site.
The use of ASHP technology provides reliable heating and hot water supply, while branch isolation simplifies construction, operation, maintenance, and future adaptations.
Dedicated mixed-mode ventilation will facilitate assisted natural airflow in all teaching areas, utilising straightforward controls based on CO2 and temperature monitoring. This strategy also includes assessing internal heat gains and mitigating potential overheating risks.
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Testimonial
“Concertus were engaged by Barnes Construction from RIBA stage 2 and provided a multi-disciplinary service. Their team helped us secure the project and successfully developed a well-considered, economical solution for the site, navigating some difficult planning and design stage challenges. The site had limitations set by the wider development, and Concertus designed a sensitive solution that integrated into its surroundings and considered adjacent access requirements and nearby open spaces.
“All key milestones for the project where successfully achieved including handover for the new term in 2024, with excellent feedback received by the end user and everyone involved in the project.”
Mark Bailey, Divisional Director, Barnes Construction
Challenges + Solutions
Phased remediation works to prepare the pitches for educational use resulted in a constrained site which posed logistical challenges during construction.
These challenges were overcome via the flexibility and collaborative approach adopted by the design team, Barnes Construction and all the appointed sub-contractors.
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Result
The school is fully electric and is part of Essex County Council’s plan to create new schools to be Net Zero in operation.
This state-of-the-art facility will provide first-class education to the community and help ease pressure on local schools due to the increased housing in the area.
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