Could this be the shape of things to come?
On the 8th of December 2017 seated in a magnificent Georgian building against the snowy backdrop of the Peaks, the board of councillors were deep in discussion at their monthly committee meeting. Despite the planning officers decision to refuse it, all voted in favour of the highly unusual circular eco-structure for a local infant school.
Combs Infant School (near Chapel en le Frith) sits within a Conservation area of the Peak District National Park and is led by Headteacher Rosemary Cook. She and her board of governors have finally won a seven year battle to secure an additional building in the grounds of their unique little school. Following two earlier planning applications for traditionally styled buildings, Combs Infant School finally found what they were looking for in the gentle curves of the “Rotunda”. This is a circular eco-building designed and manufactured by Rotunda and is recognised as a forward-thinking modular eco-structure which provides the ideal solution for primary schools with an immediate need for more space.The proposed classroom is built almost entirely from locally sourced British timber and has a wild-flower meadow on it’s roof. The shape is a major factor in the reduction of energy consumption required to heat it. The magic of pi means that theres’s about 30% less external surface area which in turn reduces the amount of materials required to build it, giving it a double thumbs-up for energy and resource efficiency. A building of this type is one of the first to be championed as a complimentary feature to the Heritage style buidlings that the National Park is famous for and sets a precedent for others to follow… changing the face of our National Parks.
Rosemary Cook of Combs Infant School said “We are all incredibly excited to see this building arrive and we are looking forward to our young children enjoying their learning in such an innovative and inspiring space.”
This building is a reassuring example of how schools and nurseries can work with nature to provide inspiring and nurturing learning environments. A far cry from the modular temporary classroom cabins which many of us remember all too well from our school days!
The trend-setting new building is due to be constructed in April 2018.Mr Philip Kay, the Managing Director of Rotunda Roundhouses said that “With hedgehog houses built into the floor of the building, bat boxes tucked under the roof eaves and a wild-flower meadow on the roof, there really is no better example of integrating nature and teaching the value of nature within the design and construction of modern school buildings. I believe this is the way forwards for UK schools who wish to build responsibly, efficiently and affordably.”
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