Agbrigg & Belle Vue Community Association

from Sarah Wigglesworth Architects

A new eco-friendly school is to replace the current school which does not meet modern building standards and is expensive to maintain. To be constructed on the existing site it is to have a 26 place full time nursery within the main body of the new school and accommodate 320 pupils aged between 5 – 11 years old.

The new school will comply with the Building Schools for the Future initiative, which requires high quality sustainable design with special consideration given to use, durability, sustainability, efficiency, and aesthetics.

After local consultation, Sarah Wigglesworth Architects have planned a fresh modern image for the school while maintaining a sense of the history and culture of the area, making good use of brick, and incorporating the old school bell in the new building.

There will be different types of outdoor play space, including areas for learning, planting, quiet zones, running and games. It will be an accessible single story building, with direct access to the outside playground from each classroom, and a community space at the heart of the school. Flexibility of teaching space allows different ages and sizes of groups to gather various teaching areas, all designed for easy future expansion.

The energy efficient design incorporates rain water harvesting for toilet cisterns, and energy efficient geothermal heating. The classrooms are north facing to provide a stable daytime temperature, avoiding overheating from direct sunlight. Carefully situated windows will provide plenty of natural light, and clever use of chimneys will provide natural ventilation.

Work is due to begin in 2008

Below: Sketch of dining area