Finalist 2011

HEBDEN BRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL, NORTH YORKSHIRE

This design for Hebden Bridge Primary School creates an interactive learning environment that aims to make manifest biodiversity and sustainability. The pond, orchard and allotments work together to create a mini ecosystem where wildlife can flourish, with bats being the main conservation aim.

The building envelope contains Passivhaus Technology, resulting in little need for space heating, considerably reducing the building’s energy consumption. A ground source heat pump and photovoltaic panels provide for other energy needs. Rainwater harvesting is combined with a reverse osmosis water filtration process, filtering rain and waste water to be re-used in the building and in the pond.

Judges’ Comments:

This proposal for a new primary school on a sloping site is an attractive, well-mannered scheme. Green roofs are combined with solar photovoltaics and bat boxes are provided. Raised vegetable beds would give the pupils hands-on gardening experience. This scheme would need a little more attention to the functional integration of the various elements.