Eco classrooms brochure

Sustainable and environmentally friendly teaching spaces at an affordable price – an award-winning concept

Welcome to eco-classrooms

Green and sustainable solutions. Affordable quality design.

An award-winning concept.

Contents 04 Background information

Winner

Winner

Winner

EDP Business Awards 2013 NWES Future50 Businesses One To Watch

Constructing Excellence East of England Awards Value Award 2013 Innovation & Sustainability 2012

Constructing Excellence Norfolk Awards 2012 Sustainability Award Project of the Year

05 Why choose an eco-classroom?

06 Re-locatable and permanent solutions 08 Green credentials 10 Technical information 11 Testimonials 12 Case studies 18 Your individual eco-classroom

Winner

Highly Commended

Commendation

Green Apple Award 2012 Sustainability

Business Green Leaders Awards 2013 Small Business Category

Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Awards 2013 New Non-residential

www.eco-classrooms.com / 01603 706296 02 / 03

Background information

Why choose an eco-classroom?

A flexible alternative to mobile classrooms and more With decades’ worth of combined expertise, our Company Directors are qualified in the fields of Architectural Design, Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, and have accrued specialist knowledge within the education sector.

Having seen the difficulties involved to source plan and install new building facilities, both quickly and with minimal disruption, we set up the company in 2010 to help alleviate some of these problems.

Our complete service ensures we work closely with our clients. All our buildings are DDA compliant and fully adaptable to your requirements. Full consideration of the schools surroundings at the design stage ensures the finished build maximises the natural light and aspects.

Historically planners have favoured our designs by granting approval when they have sometimes declined other more traditional or modular options.

Do you remember old school memories of lessons in a damp mobile classroom when it was freezing cold in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer?

Neither are conductive to a positive learning environment.

Introduced in the 1960s and 70s as a quick-fix solution, mobile classrooms are still in place today and are poorly maintained and ever-deteriorating.

In an age of advancing technology, when children are being taught on interactive white boards, it would seem logical that our children are learning in a healthy and energyefficient environment. With schools now facing potential classroom shortages, eco-classrooms offers a viable flexible and affordable solution.

eco-classrooms pioneers’ the flexible design of quality sustainable modular school buildings. We design both permanent and temporary teaching spaces and can quickly build and install them in just six weeks. We offer our growing client base competitive rates and a friendly, no-nonsense service from start to finish.

Our bespoke architect-designs have outstanding specifications to meet the high demands placed on your school teaching spaces, helping to significantly reduce your energy usage and carbon footprint. Our designs blend with your natural surroundings to create inspiring and practical teaching spaces for the next generation.

• Your whole project can be completed over the summer break causing significantly less disruption and inconvenience than a traditional build. Predominately built off-site: – a permanent build takes from just six weeks; – a re-locatable building takes just days to install.

• Often we can adapt our flexible designs to build in the most awkward of spaces, where it would simply not be possible to erect a modular building.

• eco-classrooms are made from 99% recyclable materials; we have a track record of A-rated Energy Performance Certificates and achieve superb insulation levels. We create inspiring sustainable and green classroom spaces, with low-emissions.

• The energy costs and usage are hugely reduced over the buildings lifetime, with the option of solar panels available to minimise costs. It’s an affordable, cost competitive alternative to more traditional structures – especially when you consider the buildings’ overall lifetime costs.

• eco-classrooms provide a one stop solution that’s tailored to suit your site specific needs. Our complete service can incorporate the whole process from the design service, associated fees and on-site management through to site completion to ensure you have no unforeseen costs.

www.eco-classrooms.com / 01603 706296 04 / 05

Re-locatable and permanent solutions We’re unique in offering both options Re-locatable solutions

Permanent buildings

Causing minimal disruption, installed in days

Built in just six weeks

Our eco-classrooms can be constructed completely off-site, then delivered from the factory and craned into position in a matter of hours. They are ready for use in just a few days.

The modular design makes the possibilities endless – our designs can be adapted to two-storey and multi-storey designs and we cater for everything from small office and group-room spaces to large sports halls and dance studios. Larger designs and extensions also feature in our portfolio.

eco-classrooms has proven capability in adapting designs to meet your projects’ needs. One of the benefits is that we can often install them in the most awkward of spaces with perhaps difficult access or challenging needs where it would simply not be possible to erect a traditional building.

You can choose from a wide range of external cladding and materials beyond the timber options. Free-flow outdoor spaces, play-areas and sweeping verandas can also be incorporated to your designs.

With a typical new build design using traditional procurement methods taking up to 24 weeks on site to complete. The option to reduce the build time and associated disruption on-site to a quarter of this timeframe appeals to everyone.

www.eco-classrooms.com / 01603 706296 06 / 07

Green credentials

Sun tubes

Motion light sensors

Sun tubes are fitted as standard and utilise the natural light sources to reduce the need for artificial lighting, and therefore electricity usage and carbon emissions.

Fitted as standard to save you electricity and ensure lighting is only used when it’s needed.

Natural light sources are also maximised through careful design.

Environmentally friendly construction and performance We pride ourselves on our commitment and environmentally friendly approach to design and timber frame construction.

Timber Frames All timber used is sourced from properly managed FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) European forests and the utmost care is taken when selecting produce. The frames are manufactured to the highest specifications using advanced methods and the latest equipment. Factory fabrication means that our skilled workers are able to assemble large parts of the structure before it reaches the site, ensuring that the timber structure can be erected quickly and efficiently on site, reducing costs and build time.

Timber is a totally renewable resource. Our timber frames are constructed in the South East and can be efficiently transported anywhere in the UK, to reduce CO2 emissions compared to frames built further afield. The unused timber logs are waste efficient and used to make paper, chipboards and energy.

Superb insulation The building’s construction achieves the following thermal performance and elemental ‘U’ values, which are some three times the standards that legislation currently requires: • Suspended ground floor: 0.088 WM2K (Building Regulations require 0.25 WM2K) • External walls: 0.114 W/M2K (Building Regulations require 0.35 WM2K) • Flat roof with insulation: 0.088 WM2K (Building Regulations require 0.25 WM2K) • Aluminium doors / windows: 1.200 W/M2K

Air source heat pumps Fitted as standard, these control the internal environment. They make use of the heat outside and minimize energy consumption.

They heat up to three times more efficiently than traditional heating systems and ensure you’re comfortable and enjoying a stable and pleasant temperature all year round.

The system ensures good airflow which can reduce the risks of air-born infection to create a healthy environment. There’s a close correlation between a person’s performance and the temperature of their immediate surroundings.

Timber is the most environmental building material. Why? • Timber is a totally renewable resource – European softwood forests are growing by over 250 million m3 every year; • It’s waste efficient – the parts of the logs that are not used for timber are used for paper, chipboards, energy and many other applications; • Once it’s used, the timber can then be recycled or biodegraded.

99% recyclable The products used in our buildings are 99% recyclable.

Eventually, when the insulation is removed from a building it can be recycled again or disposed of safely, without creating toxic waste or biodegradability problems. The insulation does not contain artificial colours or added formaldehyde, resulting in environmental credentials above a class of products already rated A+ in the BRE Green Guide. It is ideal for environmental responsibility and formaldehyde-free.

Other materials used in the classroom can also be recycled.

Timber construction from FSC sources

So there really is no more environmentally friendly way to build!

Solar panels Solar panel PV systems can be fitted to your build to provide you with free feed in electricity to the building (subject to site suitability).

Other credentials We have a track record of A-rated Energy Performance Certificate. Fully integral with all forms of renewable technology, various extras such as green roofs and rain water harvesting are available.

www.eco-classrooms.com / 01603 706296 08 / 09

Technical information

Testimonials

With a life-span exceeding 40 years

What our clients say

Timber cladding

Cladding options

We use timber from FSC-approved suppliers. Due the factory built conditions and precision methods - air tightness is generally enhanced (air tightness reduces drafts and improves insulation). Attention to detail from the design stage to the on-site craftsmanship leads to high quality finish.

Options used to date include Trespa cladding and render.

The system has versatility to adopt brick, colour render and living green walls.

Roofing

We use polyester powder-coated aluminium frames with double glazing with toughened glass and low e-glass to reduce the solar gain. Fitted with trickle ventilators to optimise the internal environment and secure locking systems it’s a low maintenance product with warranties.

A bi-folding door option blends well with outdoor free-flow spaces. Doors are fitted with finger guards.

A single ply EPDM membrane with a notable 10 year guarantee exceeds the longevity of more traditional flat roof solutions.

SIP panels

The Structured Integrated Panels system uses an engineered timber stud system. These prefabricated factory panels are constructed off-site. When compared to more traditional insulation methods, SIP panels reduce costs and build time and secure superb insulation levels and U values.

Foundations Adjustable support on a base of recycled material which saves costs and time.

Doors and Windows

“Constructed with SIP Panels, this building has an appropriate pavilion feel, and the simplicity of the design coupled with the quality of the construction elevates it well above the level of the ordinary. The systemised timber exterior cladding has precision in its purpose and implementation. The craftsmanship of the external trades here is of the highest order...”

Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Awards 2013

Neville Brown, MRICS, CB Swift – Project Manager

Lighting We use high quality light fittings, one that we actually helped Whitecroft Lighting Systems develop and which is tailored for our installations and uses PIR motion sensors. Suspended lighting is used to provide a good level of light spread to all surfaces in the room.

Other options A range of durable flooring solutions with various carpeting and vinyl options. Fire and security alarms are installed as standard. Various colours and finishes are available.

“The company’s work throughout on St Matthew’s in Enfield has been exemplary. The company has proven to be highly adaptable and receptive to change throughout the tendering process and a pleasure to work with on-site throughout the build process.

To date eco-classrooms’ work has been excellent. The site presented complications, which they solved capably. We would definitely consult and appoint Mark and the company on any future projects...”

“We are very happy with the result, it is beautiful whilst being practical, cheap to run and of a really high quality. The building is light and full of air. It’s a great addition to our facilities here at Parkside...”

Headteacher, Parkside School, Norwich

“We’re very excited about the new build which is far lighter and more spacious than the previous build allowing free flow for outside activities.

“The construction was a much quicker process than a traditional build which meant less disruption time to the site. It’s is a welcome addition providing much needed space. The company kept us informed of changes and issues and understood our budget restrictions...”

Great Dunham Primary School

www.eco-classrooms.com / 01603 706296 10 / 11

Case studies Kennett Primary School

Litcham High School Nursery Classroom and After School Club with Outdoor Learning Area Kennett Primary School is a rural primary school and desperately needed extra space to accommodate their after school club and nursery school provision. As a registered eco-school they wanted to embrace a sustainable eco-friendly ethos.

The classroom is the standard single eco-classroom design; with a small group room, w/c’s and lobby area incorporating a sliding door leading to a veranda play-area. It incorporates an outdoor play-area and outside learning zone to maximise the free-flow learning space for the younger children.

Dance Studio We constructed a new dance studio for the school, purpose built to Sport England standards. It’s built with a Glulam timber frame structure with insulated SIP panel walls and roof, finished with striking render. The choice of materials allowed faster construction time as well as high levels of insulation. It incorporates a large storage facility and sizeable entrance lobby.

The relocation of an existing mobile classroom created the space needed for the scheme’s outstanding facilities which benefit both the school and community at large – outside user groups rent the space to generate income for the school. The building has set a new standard for sustainability at the school.

www.eco-classrooms.com / 01603 706296 12 / 13

Dereham VI Form College

Parkside School Double eco-classroom and combined café / study centre Dereham Sixth Form College urgently required additional space to house an increase in students whilst a shortage of study space had been highlighted by the students as a concern.

The standard eco-classroom design was adjusted to accommodate a light-filled study suite that also acts as a café area. The folding / sliding screen to the end wall allows the café to interact with the outside space and picnic seating area increasing the capacity of the building. Completed in just six weeks the new building is a huge success for the college and the students make full use of their new facility throughout the day.

Double classroom extension in a tight spot!

An innovative extension to the main school to meet the pupils’ desire for an environmentally friendly solution and the schools need for a quick build on a restricted access site.

Predominately built off-site – we took care to adapt to our standard specifications to meet the parameters of the main building.

The project took just seven weeks to complete, with most of the structure built off site, resulting in minimal disruption to staff and pupils.

“We were in need of a classroom which could fulfil our needs but we wanted it to be cost effective and sustainable where possible – we are delighted with the solution,” said the school’s head teacher.

An additional double eco-classroom built adjacent provides an inspiring space for arts and humanities students. This houses storage space in each classroom an office/group room space, w/cs and welcoming lobby area.

www.eco-classrooms.com / 01603 706296 14 / 15

St Matthew’s School

Birtwick Park Three classroom block with mono-pitched roof Our first London project was designed to blend sympathetically with the surrounding church, vicarage and school.

The striking long lines of the veranda area, mono-pitched roofing and linking spaces create a stimulating learning environment. St Matthew’s School needed to provide additional classroom space and the eco-classroom was built over two phases to meet the school’s increasing pupil numbers.

The site presented with restricted access, and the construction took place pre-dominantly during term time.

Flagship Residential Learning Centre A purpose build uniquely designed for a residential special needs school. It illustrates high quality modern sustainable design and craftsmanship and blends superbly with the natural rural surroundings within the grounds of a Grade Two listed building.

Predominately constructed off site using SIP panels it took just 16 weeks total construction time ensuring it was ready for the Autumn Term.

The teaching centre blends together the schools need for teaching, therapy, breakout and meeting rooms, and accommodates small class sizes. The building is split to accommodate office and administration space for the company’s HQ staff. It’s built with highly sustainable materials throughout.

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Your individual eco-classroom How it works Your site’s specific requirements can be incorporated into our versatile and practical designs.

We look forward to discussing your project needs in detail via phone or e-mail. Alternatively you can use the Room Builder facility on our website at www.eco-classrooms.com/ builder to submit your exact needs and we’ll send you some draft costings and plans. If these are of interest, we’ll work with you to develop a set of suitable plans and provide you with some fixed costings.

Partnership Working The team has collaborated on numerous schemes with a range of professional consultants and organisations.

Much of our work comes from our satisfied customers recommendations and we want to enrich our good reputation for expertise, quality and innovation.

Our one-stop service incorporates all our design fees, planning permission fees, Energy Performance Certificates, and Building Regulations right through to building completion, so you won’t face any unforeseen costs.

Don’t forget your on-going energy costs are also notably reduced.

Initial enquiry

Discussions, example plans and costings

Complimentary site visit

Design plans and costings confirmed

Planning permission granted

Six weeks construction time from a clear site for most projects

Building ready to use

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eco-classrooms Address: 51 Yarmouth Road Norwich Norfolk NR7 0ET Telephone: 01603 706296 Email: info@eco-classrooms.com

Winner

Winner

Winner

Winner

Highly Commended

Commendation

EDP Business Awards 2013 NWES Future 50 Businesses One To Watch

Constructing Excellence East of England Awards Value Award 2013 Innovation & Sustainability 2012

Constructing Excellence Norfolk Awards 2012 Sustainability Award Project of the Year

Green Apple Award 2012 Sustainability

Business Green Leaders Awards 2013 Small Business Category

Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Awards 2013 New Non-residential

Updated July 2014 Design by run2 www.run2online.com

Web: www.eco-classrooms.com