The devastating fire at Yatton Primary School destroyed six of their nine classrooms. From the brief for a primary school rebuild, DKA worked with Bray & Slaughter to provide a fast track solution going from a blank piece of paper to a completed a new building in just 17 months. The building also achieves net zero carbon in use. This fast track programme included design development, planning approval and construction. Achieving this quick and efficient turnaround required the whole design and construction team to truly work collaboratively, along with a proactive client body.
Yatton Primary School
Primary School Rebuild: Opportunities to achieve Net Zero Carbon In Use
“ Off the back of this, DKA will be our go to Design Practice.
No suggestions for improvement, first class. ”
The new design provides new opportunities, rather than ‘just’ a primary school rebuild, the approach sought to see the school’s building rise from the ashes with better, more energy efficient spaces using DKA’s expertise in education projects to deliver within the budgets and timescales.
A new courtyard between infants and juniors provides an external focus for the whole primary school.
Tall classrooms with large rooflights create a bright and airy character, while deep canopies provide covered external educational space.
Recessed book shelves and benches enliven the circulation space and allow for one-to-one learning, as well as valuable storage.
A compact plan, with high levels of insulation and energy efficient heating and ventilation also enables the building to achieve net zero carbon in use.
How do we achieve Net Zero Carbon in Use at Yatton Primary School Rebuild?
Designing energy efficient buildings should not compromise functionality, image, or spatial excitement. It does force you to justify any features that compromise your energy efficient envelope, making sure they only occur where they truly benefit the users experience. At the end of the day, comfortable, well ventilated, daylit buildings with low bills is going to be a huge benefit to everyone, not just the environment.
I – Shape
Creating a compact shape with a small external envelope is key. The site constraints and desire to have a courtyard linking the infants and juniors generated the L shape. The narrow width enabled a simple pitched roof solution mimicking the existing building. A separate gable to the library provides a visual focus to the space. The built up metal roof was chosen for its thermal performance, robustness, long life, and non-combustible nature. Brick walls and aluminium windows were chosen to match the existing. The aim was to design a building that is sympathetic to the existing yet still bright and modern.
2 – Layout
Each wing of the L contains three classrooms, reflecting the three form entry design requirements. The food technology room is placed in the corner of the L between both wings. The Library is located as a focus for both the existing building and new extension; opening onto an external reading area. Group rooms are spread around the plan. Two sets of toilets serve each of the classroom groups. Canopies shelter external teaching spaces outside each of the classrooms. Book shelves and bench reading recesses off the corridor provide a simple, efficient and effective use of space. The small recess off the upper KS1 corridor is another highlight on the circulation route. The cold lobby between existing and new buildings creates a generous foyer to the hall. It is difficult to imagine a more effective layout on this site.
3 – Spatial characteristics and Colour
The large rooflights to the tall classrooms creates a bright spacious feel. Containing the NVHR (Natural Ventilation Heat Recovery) units above the ceiling keeps the spaces clear of clutter. The large glazed side panels to the doors provide a degree of openness and transparency which is welcoming. Secondary spaces have a standard horizontal ceiling to conceal services. Circular windows add special features to the nurture room and hall without compromising on thermal efficiency.
Other DKA projects that achieve Net Zero Carbon in Use include Devizes Integrated Care Centre
Images: Copyright Rebecca Noakes Photography.
