Reid Architects
Projects
Eco School - Wardle
As part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, Reid Architects were part of a Consortium led by Sir Robert McAlpine on the Rochdale bid.
Aside from working with other designers jointly on example schools Reid was given the chance to carry out a feasibility study on the delivery of an exemplar school which integrated eco technology and promoted eco-educational awareness and understanding for its pupils.
The new building was designed to address the site and link into the adjacent land by creating an eco-trail and exploration route. The proposed school would seek to achieve carbon neutral status and can accommodate 1200 pupils.
The concept of the school is based around the eco trail - integrating this route as part of the school, opening up the buildings to be visually end environmentally – so as not to act a barrier to the landscape adjacent.
The plan form of the school and orientation of the cluster spaces, which create fingers of accommodation, is a direct reaction to the geometry of the edge of the site.
The heart of the school would be ventilated using Passivhaus principles with high levels of insulation increasing thermal performance and reducing energy loss and energy consumption.