Passivhaus Schools

Value: £9m;
Client: Wolverhampton City Council;
Complete: October 2011

Architype has recently completed two of the first certified Passivhaus primary schools in the UK - Oakmeadow Primary School and Bushbury Hill Primary School. The two schools received full certification in January 2012, and are the latest projects in our Passivhaus portfolio.

Each school has a lightweight, super insulated timber frame to achieve Passivhaus airtightness, with a simplified load bearing stud wall, wrapped by an additional layer of insulation created by Larson trusses (Oakmeadow) or non-loadbearing I-beams (Bushbury Hill). The services strategy integrates full MVHR for winter operation, retaining natural passive ventilation for summer day ventilation and night cooling.

Under Wolverhampton Council’s strict proviso that the Passivhaus schools should cost no more than standard schools, Architype delivered them both on time and on budget, and early indications show outstanding performance and user comfort. We are now working with Wolverhampton on a third Passivhaus school project.

“The children are more alert in the afternoon, and are more attentive because the air is so fresh and comfortable. The daylight is just fantastic and the spaces make a big difference. It has raised our spirits and there were whoops of delight on the first day - the children and teachers absolutely love it.” Sara Morris, Headteacher at Oakmeadow School.