Brief
The new accommodation would enable an increase of 120 pupil places, allowing the school to hold a total of 420 primary school students and 60 nursery children.
Central Bedfordshire Council required an expansion to provide additional accommodation which would take the school from a lower school to a primary school.
Key Info
Location:
Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes
Client:
Central Bedfordshire Council
Contractor:
SMD Ltd
Completion Date:
July 2023
Project Value:
£2.5m
Scope
The design for the new teaching block reflects the existing school building’s characteristics and is sympathetic to the surrounding residential area.
Our Architects created plans for a single storey standalone block (to accommodate year 4 to year 6 pupils), new parking provision, and a small extension to the existing school (providing WCs for the relocated reception classrooms).This flat roof construction with buff facing brickwork and soldier coursing above the doors echoes the materials of the existing school and nursery buildings. The proportions and heights of the windows also tie in with the surroundings. Keeping the building height to a minimum provided a cost-efficient design solution (in line with the client’s budget) and ensured nearby residents weren’t impacted.
The building was designed with energy efficiency in mind and gained an EPC A rating. PV panels were placed on the roof to help offset energy costs of the school and reduce carbon emissions. Rooflights were also incorporated in classrooms to maximise natural ventilation and daylight. The classrooms are positioned linearly to the eastern aspect to reduce the overall building width and mass, and avoid any daylight issues associated with the classrooms facing the site boundary.
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
“A very big thank you on behalf of all our families, children and the Swallowfield team for the wonderful new teaching block. It has provided a calm and purposeful learning environment for the children to be able to achieve their very best. We are all very proud of being part of Swallowfield Primary and to be able to educate children all the way through to year six.”.
Kim Brewer, Headteacher, Swallowfield Primary School
Result
The additional accommodation meets the needs for the future use of the site and has enabled the school to expand to a primary school.
Improving education is one of Central Bedfordshire Council’s priorities and it has been a privilege to work with them to deliver this high-quality educational facility.