PLANS for a brand new primary school have been revealed by GSS Architecture and Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW) following works starting on site.
New Lubbesthorpe Primary School will be located within the new community of Lubbesthorpe, near Blaby, Leicestershire. The 420-place primary school is the first of three schools – a mix of two primary and one secondary school – to be unveiled to meet the needs of the 4,250-home development.
The designs, developed by GSS Architecture, are based on a green philosophy as the buildings reflect the master planning scheme which encourages green spaces. The outside is also brought in with a focus on natural light and playful colours inside the building.
Tom Jagger, associate at GSS Architecture, said: “There were many different factors to consider when designing New Lubbesthorpe Primary School especially as the school will inform the style of the future community buildings on the development.
“The masterplan is also centred, aside from creating a green, eco-friendly site, on forming an open square for the village that will be a central spot that responds to the surrounding site and offers a sense of community in the budding development.”
The school building comprises largely of single storey accommodation which will include 14 classrooms, a learning resources centre, hall, kitchen, staff room, a studio and specialised room and the reception along with plenty of circulating space.
Tom added: “The internal space of the school is key to the education, focus and safety of the children so bright, clean and spacious areas were key to the design. There will be a simple layout allowing for natural light and ventilation and a central corridor with naturally lit break-out spaces between classrooms.”
CPW, a national M&E engineering consultancy with extensive experience in the education sector, was brought on board by the architecture firm to support with the mechanical and electrical assessment on the project.
Matt Wrate, director and head of the CPW Leicester office, said: “As the consultants for the electrics, heating and lighting and ventilation of the project we worked hard to adopt both passive and active measures to provide a comfortable, vibrant environment conducive to productive learning and working at all times.
“We want to achieve a BREEAM rating of good so there is good daylighting throughout the school and the electrical lighting has been thoughtfully designed with the use of low energy LED luminaires throughout. Similarly, the mechanical services solution reliably provides a suitable environment while minimising energy consumption - this is in keeping with the green philosophy of the project.”
The design team also includes the project manager and quantity surveyor, Bentley Project Management, Rodgers Leask, the structural engineers, and Secured by Design which provided guidance on the overall project.
George Orange, project manager at Bentley Project Management, said: “We are excited to have been involved with delivering this innovative project from the outset. It has been great to work with such an energetic team with great ideas, with the best interests of the client at the forefront.
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