Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School
New Build School
After undertaking a feasibility study, TNW were appointed in 2011 by Chester Diocesan Board of Education to design a new build, two form entry primary school with associated landscaping.
The proposal was developed as a two storey building to not only conform with the existing site constraints, but to also determine a natural hierarchy of space between the infants (ground level) and juniors (First Floor level). ‘Teaching streets’ link the classrooms together at both ground and first floor level. To ensure an integrated environment between the students, the levels are connected vertically with a first floor balcony that overlooks the infant ‘street’.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) was chosen for the school’s superstructure primarily for its sustainable credentials, its efficiency in delivering two-storey solution, and the design flexibility of the product. The CLT enhances the internal spaces, with the tactile quality and inherent warmth of the wood providing a peaceful, natural and calming environment for the children.
The project was designed to ‘BREEAM Very Good’ standards and the specification included air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and high performance glazing to minimise heat gain and glare.
The project was constructed in phases in order to maintain the operation capacity of the existing schools. The building and immediate external works were completed ahead of programme.
This project was awarded the ‘New Building’ award at the 2014 New Year Honours by the Chester Civic Trust.
Image rights : Paul McMullin