A £2m ‘eco-school’ has been constructed in Suffolk using a timber frame system.
Timber was recommended for Beaumont Primary School, Hadleigh, by main contractor Barnes Construction to meet environmental and sustainable criteria, as well as providing fast build time, off-site precision manufacture and minimal waste.
Blyth-based Timber Frame Solutions designed and manufactured the 1,200m2 prefabricated building, which features a wind turbine, roof-mounted photo voltaic cells and solar panels.
David Garrard, of architect the Design Group (part of project funder Suffolk County Council), said: “The innovative design of the building, combined with the use of sustainable building products has resulted in significant benefits in terms of project and whole life costs.”
The timber frame structure comprises a 220mm stud frame with Paneline internal sheathing and Panelvent external sheathing, plus Warmcel 500 insulation made from recycled newspaper. Internal partition walls were formed using a 140mm stud frame finished with plasterboard, while external walls were clad in untreated western red cedar.
All renewable energy sources at the school are monitored electronically using a building management system, allowing pupils and adults to learn about generating and saving energy, plus caring for the environment.
