New Uxbridge High School building incorporates energy-efficient and environmentally-conscious technologies

(07/08/2009)

A new teaching building, constructed by the Leadbitter Group and designed by ADP, for Uxbridge High School will provide an ongoing learning legacy for pupils, thanks to a range of innovative features that support environmental education.

The three-storey Lancaster Building incorporates many energy-efficient and environmentally-conscious technologies. Importantly, much of the internal mechanics of the building has been deliberately left on view to enable students to see how the building works.

At each end of the building, there are living 'green walls' which, together with rainwater and grey water recycling, natural ventilation, photovoltaic cells on the roof and a wind turbine, demonstrate state-of-the-art techniques which can be used in buildings to minimise adverse environmental impacts. And the students are also being encouraged to do their bit for the environment with the provision of secure facilities for 120 bicycles.

The concrete-framed building - which was cast on site - has a single ply roofing membrane, glazed curtain walling, a steel framed supporting arched section, a rein zinc roof and terracotta rain screen cladding.

Leadbitter Project Manager Pete Turner led the project locally. “This is a very cleverly designed building,” he said. “The roof system which is designed to hold the floors up is counter-hung providing a massive open space on the ground floor. And the staircases are continuous concrete cast in situ with stainless steel and glass balustrading.”

The new building has been creatively designed with flexible classroom spaces, conference facilities and ICT provision. It incorporates a Sixth Form centre for 250 students, a Performing Arts and Activity Studio on the ground floor, mathematics area on the first floor and a dedicated business suite on the third floor.

During the construction phase, students were encouraged to learn about building techniques. A special viewing platform was installed so that developments in the project could be studied for class projects. Over 2500 pupils got involved, with some becoming so enthused that a number of day-release students took up offers of work experience in the Leadbitter Group site office.

Uxbridge High School's Head Teacher Peter Lang said, “I am delighted with this state of the art building. By working closely with our construction partner, Leadbitter, we have been able to complete this major project without any disruption or inconvenience to staff and students in the main school. Being able to involve so many students in the project has been a real bonus.

Related categories:  Environmental technologies for offices and commercial   Rainwater harvesting   Solar power and photovoltaics   Waste water recycling   Wind power