We’re replacing two 40-year-old Elliott buildings (housing two classrooms and an office) with a new fit-for-purpose building. This building will also feature a staffroom to replace the one that became teaching space when the school expanded in 2020.
The proposals seek to create stimulating and creative landscaping which support curriculum learning and give children rich and varied experiences. Deciduous trees around the perimeter of the site will provide shade to internal spaces in summer while allowing sun to penetrate the classrooms in winter.
The approach to the new entrance at the north end of the building will be defined by an avenue of tall blossom trees to limit loss of playground space. We're also laying a coloured resin-bonded gravel design path on top of the existing tarmac, which will run through to the covered play area to the south of the site. This will be flush with the existing playground and therefore fully accessible.
What we'll deliver:
- Two Classrooms
- Toilets
- Staffroom
- Office & Reception Rooms
- Landscaping
- Covered play area
- Entrance area
Why it's a great idea:
Our scheme has been designed to lift the spirits and aspirations of everyone who uses the space, and provide facilities that are fit for purpose, inclusive and built to last. We want to make it easier for students to learn; help recruit and retain staff; and provide facilities that are flexible enough to respond to evolving thinking about teaching and learning.
The build will give us a smart new entrance area, and will be something the whole village community – and those outside the village (as we attract pupils from 14 local villages) – can be proud of.
Benefits of the new build include: reduced running costs and carbon emissions, and lower maintenance costs.
Steps to get it done:
- Secure Planning Permission
- Preparation of Final Construction Information
- Seek Tenders from Potential Contractors
- Value Engineering With Potential Contractors
- Sign Contract With Chosen Contractor
- Deliver Finished Building by August 29th 2022
- Demolish temporary Elliott building 1
- Demolish temporary Elliott building 2
The two current temporary teaching cabins are 15 years beyond their intended lifespan and fall far short of contemporary standards for school accommodation. The new vaulted dual aspect classrooms, staff, office and reception areas will benefit from cross ventilation and mechanical heat recovery. The building will be locally crafted from UK-sourced sustainable Douglas fir and feature solar panels and an air source heat pump and insulation to passivhaus principles to reduce emissions and energy costs.
Careful attention has been given to the scale and massing of the new development in the context of the existing school building which celebrated its 150-year anniversary in 2022.
The Temple Guiting CofE School community has been fundraising for many years and now has over 90% of the required funds (including a grant for trees from the Woodland Trust). Planning permission has been granted, the technical design prepared and contractors are now preparing prices.
