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Miller Bourne was commissioned as lead architect for the design of a new-build primary school on a brownfield site at Platt St Mary, Kent, part funded by Kent County Council (KCC) and the DfE.
Platt Church of England Primary School had been in existence since 1846, teaching generations of local children. The school had been in its previous building since 1912 but the pupils now have a brand-new facility less than a mile down the road.
The old school was making teaching the national curriculum challenging for the school and pupils, with intake increasing year on year. It had a total area of around 3,170 square metres. The new school site is far more suitably sized at 15,215 square metres. The new-build 1FE primary school features vaulted ceilings and has been designed to make the most of the natural light.
In addition, the students benefit from a dedicated design and technology room, multi-use games area, a full catering kitchen, sports hall, and ‘forest school’. The forest school has been specially developed in the adjacent woodland to give the students an experience outside the classroom and encourages them to learn more about the environment and nature.
The project was procured under a two-stage, design and build contract with Baxall Construction. This included utilising a design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) timber frame cassette system from Streif, with all design work undertaken using modern digital techniques to ISO 19650 standard. This reduced the construction time, ensured a factory-finish quality and minimised waste and risk. The system also exceeded the minimum requirements for fire safety and acoustic performance.
Having worked together using these techniques on similar projects over the years, we have developed a strong understanding of both the benefits and challenges working in this ways brings.
Platt Primary School was completed August 2021. The mono pitched roofs create high ceilings to the classrooms and hall.
This allows for dual aspect high level windows and cross ventilation to create bright and naturally-ventilated spaces, conducive to learning. A central corridor acts as the main access spine through the centre of the school, rooflights along the corridor bring natural light into central spaces.
External finishes were chosen to be low maintenance and durable, and to place the school in its setting by use of similar and sympathetic materials to the adjacent developments.
Head teacher Mrs Crittenden said: “The children have really enjoyed watching the build take place, but they’re even more excited to finally be in the new building. The new school site, and its wonderful facilities, will ensure the school can continue to deliver an excellent standard of education for many years to come.”
The new school comprises of the following accommodation:
- Reception
- 7 classrooms
- Group rooms
- Staff rooms and office
- Food Science/DT
- SEN Therapy
- Main Hall/Assembly
- Library
- Ancillary spaces
