Thornhill Primary School – Expansion

Central Bedfordshire Council appointed Keegans along with our sister company ECD Architects to provide multi-disciplinary consultancy services for the expansion of Thornhill Primary School from a 1-form entry to a 3-form entry school.

Our plans presented the school as a single facility through a carefully designed landscape and strategically planned external connections between the old (nursery-year 1) and new (year 2-6) buildings.

Through joint efforts between our Project Managers, Architectural and Cost Consultant teams, and working collaboratively with Central Bedfordshire Council, we have successfully implemented Passivhaus principles and sustainable construction materials with the scheme.

Achieving Passivhaus standards has ensured the quality of construction, provided significant benefits to the whole life cycle cost, reduced the financial running costs and improved thermal comfort and indoor air quality.

Materials (specific CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber)) were selected for their low embodied carbon and both materials and buildings were considered for their possible future uses and recyclability.

In March 2022, the school underwent and successfully passed airtightness tests with excellent results. An Air Change rate of 0.42 Ac/hr means the school will be a superbly performing school creating an ideal learning environment. As of July 2022, the school has been certified to the Passivhaus Classic building standard by the Passive House Institute.

Award: Pagabo Awards –Best Project Delivering Sustainable Outcomes