Brief
The Headteacher had an ambition to have a standalone unit which would provide the Early Years with their own identity and allow the school to accommodate children aged two and three years old.
Concertus were asked to create a new 30 place Early Years provision on the school site. This facility was required due to the approved planning applications for a new housing development in Halesworth and the expected increase of pupils as a result of this.
Key Info
Location:
Holton, Halesworth, Suffolk
Project Type:
New Build
Client:
Suffolk County Council – Children & Young People
Contractor:
Brooks & Wood Ltd
Completion Date:
December 2023
Project Value:
£1.3m
Scope
The design for the nursery incorporates timber cladding, brickwork, and pitched roof tiles to complement the existing Victorian school buildings and local aesthetics.
We worked in close liaison with the client and end user throughout the project. Client engagement meetings, cost updates, and monthly progress meetings (with the Headteacher in attendance) ensured regular updates were given and needs were met.
Building on a small area within an existing school site, we were keen to create a compact design which provides the required areas for learning without disrupting the current teaching provision. Planting beds and climbing plants help to soften the overall feel of the build. With sustainability being a priority for Concertus, the school, and our client, the scheme incorporates PV panels, air source heat pumps, natural ventilation, and energy saving lighting to support carbon neutrality. These choices also presented cost savings. Hedgehog highways, bird boxes, and a beetle bank helped to achieve higher ecological standards for this project and have proved to be very popular with the children.
All classrooms have external access and connectivity to the main school through the hard informal play area. The circulation route through the building has been designed in a ‘ U’ shape to provide an entrance on the eastern elevation and distribute the volume of pupils out of two exits, onto the hard play area.
Imagery
Testimonial
“Concertus were always professional, courteous, and had the needs of the children in mind. It has been a pleasure working with them. The project is very successful. Thank you to the Concertus team for ensuring the contractor kept on task and produced an amazing building. Thank you for your support.”
Christine Starkl, Headteacher, Holton St Peter Primary School
Result
This facility is a fantastic asset which benefits the whole school and local community.
Charlie Mackesy OBE, a British illustrator and author, officially opened the new 30 place nursery in January 2024. In addition to allowing the school to educate more children from the surrounding area, the provision benefits young children who now have their own dedicated learning environment. This has set a precedence for other projects.