Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng

The Welsh language school, Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng, is a sensitive retrofit and expansion, with a new Passivhaus hall and classrooms joined by a welcoming link entrance to the historic Grade II listed Maesydre school. It is believed to be the first school in the UK to be part Passivhaus and part retrofit and is Architype’s second Passivhaus school in Powys, following the award-winning Welshpool Church in Wales primary school. Because of its eco credentials, it has already been featured on S4C, the Welsh Channel 4 TV channel.

The inventive project cleverly combines old and new, liberating an historic school from later unsympathetic additions and expanding it with a new timber wing and native landscaping to create beautiful and healthy indoor and outdoor spaces for learning.

Location

Welshpool, UK

Area

1,020 m2 new build, 6,657 m2 retrofit

Status

Completed

Year

2023

Client

Powys County Council

The new 150-place school was completed for Powys County Council under its Transforming Education Programme creating spaces that support wellbeing and modern teaching methods. The community of Welshpool will also be able to access public facilities within the historic building including a beautiful hall to extend the cultural significance of the site.

The school is exemplary in its approach to low energy design, following the principle of eco-minimalism to achieve Passivhaus certification. The design vision was to provide an inspiring, welcoming, and secure environment for teaching and learning, as well as integration with the wider community. The school provides high quality education which promotes independent, lifelong learning in an environment based on respect, tolerance, and friendship. This is reflected in the school motto “Gyda’n gilydd yn gwneud ein gorau glas” - Together we will try our very best.

This fantastic development, which will be one of the most energy efficient buildings in the UK and contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the county, will provide an environment for pupils and teaching staff to reach their potential while providing important community facilities.

Councillor Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, Powys Council

Vision

All vision

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Design

The design integrates new teaching and community spaces while preserving the original school building's significance. By incorporating natural materials and technological features, it creates a sustainable, comfortable, and healthy environment.

The main visitor entrance is located at the west end of the existing building, while a secondary entrance serves pupils in the link space between the existing and new buildings. All main school classrooms are in the new building, ensuring an ideal teaching environment. A central single-story link building connects the listed building, providing small group teaching space. Early years education has a separate entrance for safety and to allow for flexible hours. The original double-height main hall is included for community use, with independent access. The design prioritises accessibility, flexible spaces, and year-to-year progression. It offers inspiring outdoor spaces with play areas, game areas and sports pitches.

This building is a true reflection of us as a school - we LOVE it! The combination of the old and the new is perfect and although both buildings so different, the use of the link combines the two perfectly. The different areas enable all stakeholders to feel comfortable during the school day and out of school hours. There is a place for all events and it enriches the teaching and learning environment to the maximum. We can now hold events to showcase the talents of our children and improve our relationship with our community even further.

The children feel at ease in their new environment and enjoy the fluidity of the build and have ownership of their school. The children show pride of the Passivhaus element and are proud of the architectural aspects, often explaining the concept to visitors. They are always monitoring the temperature and control their classroom temperatures. Also, considering we are situated by a busy bypass, this is not an issue - you cannot hear a thing - which has impacted positively on concentration and behaviour.

We feel so fortunate to been located in such a wonderful building. The pops of colour and energy within the wood which entice wondering eyes to our wonderful building. Impactful. Innovation. Inspirational. Diolch yn fawr- WE LOVE IT!

Angharad Davies, Headteacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng

Expertise

Optimising performance though Passivhaus

The Passivhaus design approach optimises solar gains and significantly reduces the energy required to create a comfortable building.

Green roof and native planting

An extensive green roof is integrated on the west wing of the main new building block and to the central link roof, with lightweight, drought tolerant and low maintenance planting.

Sensitive retrofit

The need to retain the original Grade II listed building was seen as an opportunity to create a new and accessible school that provides an inspiring environment for all.