A new 3 Form-Entry primary school with a nursery on a challenging site, is being developed under the Priority Schools Building Programme.

 
Location:
Walsall
Services:

Architecture

Landscape

Budget:
£5m
Client:
Keir Construction Limited
Sector:
Education
 

The scheme is being delivered on a tight programme whilst maintaining operation of the existing school on the same site, with construction access managed from a single road boundary.

The landscape masterplan for the site integrates a new-build block with an existing retained building, centred around a new external ‘heart’ space incorporating hard and soft play areas and games courts which will generate a secure and inspiring campus for pupils and staff. Existing trees, planting and habitat areas have been integrated into the scheme, bolstered with new landscape to further enhance the development.

 

The accommodation contained within the existing sprawling buildings being demolished has been consolidated into a new single L-shaped block with a clear spatial diagram, the non-standard plan being driven by the location of the existing site entrance. The building will be constructed from a steel frame with a robust highly-insulated external fabric, and incorporates a very efficient internal environmental strategy.

 

Form and massing has been carefully considered so the building successfully addresses both its neighbours and the new central heart space. The composition of internal and external materials and components unifies the new and retained elements of the scheme, and will provide a modern inspirational facility for learning.