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The Proving House

101 Sevier Street, Bristol, BS2 9LB.

Company Registration Number - 3499053 (UK)

Kingsmead Primary School

Kingsmead

The new primary school facilities at Leftwich, Norwich was identified in response to anticipated demand for additional primary school places arising from major housing developments in the immediate area.  The requirement to meet the brief was a 150 place, 7 classroom school.  The proposals show how future expansion to an 11 class school with additional nursery facilities could be accommodated on the site.

The design intention behind the proposal was to have a school that is an exemplar of sustainable design and construction.  This ethos informed every aspect of the design.  From its orientation to the site, to the selection of natural materials and the use of natural ventilation and daylighting techniques to the landscape concept.

The building has a strong, visible timber structure, which gives interest to the internal spaces and allows direct contact with this natural material.

The design of the building’s roof aids natural ventilation through the structure.  it also allows rainwater to be harvested for use in flushing toilets and maintaining the landscape in drought periods.

The north facing classroom design ensures classrooms receive consistent light levels, while allowing controlled sunlight via rooflights.  Each classroom has a winter garden with direct access to the play areas.

Each class has an uninterrupted view to green space, incorporating the sports field and naturally landscaped areas of the site.  Adjacent to the classrooms are the playgrounds.  The provision of safe pedestrian access and the provision of a secure, covered cycle store, it is hoped to encourage cycling or walking as part of the school’s green travel plan.