What we are doing:
The project is part of the 21st Century Schools investment programme within Carmarthenshire and consists of the design and construction of a new two storey Passivhaus Certified primary school for 270 pupils and early years wrap around care provision. The works are being completed over 2 phases. The project achieved the Considerate Constructor Beyond Compliance Certificate.
Client:
Carmarthenshire County Council (South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework).
Phase 1 Works Completed:
- Design and build of new school
- Associated services, including drainage and external sprinkler housing
- Improvements to the external highway, including crossing point and commercial entrance
- Partial external works
Phase 2 works to be completed:
- Demolition of existing school following R&D survey and removal of asbestos containing materials
- Construction of new outdoor play areas and infrastructure works. This will include a Multi-Use Games Court (MUGA), full landscaping scheme, new playing field to FA Under 9’s standard, nature trail and adjacent enhanced habitat area
- External works, drainage and improvements
- Onsite parking and remaining highway improvements
- Demolition of existing mobile classroom
Key things we had to consider:
Phase 1 works were carried out on the adjacent school playing field while the existing school remained fully operational. The site was located in a busy residential area. Development, adoption and communication of effective health, safety and operational processes in agreement with all stakeholders was key to the successful project delivery. A Construction Environmental Management Plan was developed which considered and addressed traffic, noise and dust pollution management. To reduce congestion and adverse impact the company entered into an agreement to rent the land next to the development site which accommodated the site set up, welfare facilities and staff parking. An access route to the site was also created on the land to accommodate deliveries.
Standards to be achieved:
- Passivhaus Certification
- BREEAM Excellent Certification
- LABC (Local Authority Building Control)
Community benefits from the building:
- Some of the external areas will be used by the community outside of school hours to meet the needs of the wider community
- Provided improved indoor and outdoor space to deliver and enhance the Foundation Phase Curriculum and play opportunities for all pupils
- Improved environment for pupils, teachers and other school staff
- Improved access to the school along with parking and drop off/pick up areas due to the site’s location on a busy residential road with minimal parking facilities
- Meet current and future demand for pupil places at the school.
- The school has been designed using the fabric first principles and is to achieve Passivhaus Certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating.
- The building will maintain energy efficiency with no need for bolt-on, complex renewable energy devices.
- The building will achieve a guaranteed performance over its lifespan, with no need for additional maintenance.
- The building will use less energy.
- The staff and children will benefit from a simple, economical and easy-to-use building that requires minimal upkeep.
Completion:
Spring 2023
