Record-breaking building will enrich learning
Wednesday, 2nd December 2009.
The giant octagonal room with a pointed roof is connected to the school by a canopied walkway and will serve as an enrichment facility, to build on the current curriculum at the school.
Coupals school will be expanding to take children up to 11 when the new two-tier system of education comes in and middle schools are closed.
Speaking at the opening of the new enrichment facility yesterday, head teacher Charles Hardingham said they had needed to expand the space available.
He said: "Our motto is 'learning with enjoyment', and I wanted a space which was uncluttered and could cater for all areas, including pupils with disabilities, drama and even assemblies up to 60 children.
"I also wanted something that would reflect a multicultural theme and so I sketched something in the round like a nomadic tent.
"Imagine my surprise when, a week later, Alfresco sent the design for this through."
Alfresco Rooms Ltd is a sister company to Able Canopies, who had done work at the school in the past to create canopied areas for indoor/outdoor learning.
Alfresco's technical director Paul Townsend said a huge amount of sophistication and engineering had gone into the project, the first of its kind, which 'pushed the boundaries' of conservatory-type buildings.
"It still represents a significant saving over a conventional structure," he said. "We think it is a very marketable product and we can take it into many other schools nationwide."
Crucial to the success of the building has been maintaining an even and acceptable interior temperature all year round.
This has been achieved by super-vacuum-insulated roof panels, a 28 cubic metre concrete floor plus insulation, and a highly sophisticated, ecologically friendly air conditioning system.
Mr Touwnsend said the temperature outside at 7.30am yesterday had been -1.5 degrees, but in the new building it was over 20.
The octagon is seven metres across and has a capacity of 50 sq metres.
"It is the largest stand-alone structure of its type in the country - maybe in the world, we don't know," Mr Townsend said.
It will act as a kind of show home for Alfresco as educators can visit the school to see it in action and Mr Hardingham said he was only too happy to promote it.
Mr Townsend presented Mr Hardingham with the Alfresco Cup, which will be given annually in the school for achievement which has enriched learning.
Mr Hardingham himself was the first recipient for, Mr Townsend said, having the courage to say yes to an untested structure.
Mr Hardingham also thanked the school's governors for backing him in this leap of faith.
* Our picture shows Charles Hardingham and Paul Townsend cutting the ribbon to open the new enrichment facility.
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