Burry Port Community Primary School

This new Key Stage 2 Building, and adjacent oval-shaped Studio Space completed in the summer of 2015, opened its doors to accommodate the year 3-6 pupils who have been merged from an adjacent school.

Designed by Architype, the 2 storey development is of locally sourced timber-framed construction and is the first school in Wales built and accredited to the very stringent Passivhaus standards.

TB+A were appointed to undertake the detailed design of all MEP building services and low energy solutions for the building that requires an air-tightness of approx 1/20th of Building Regulations Part L2 compliance, an in-use energy consumption not exceeding 120kWh/m²/annum - whilst satisfying the DfES Building Bulletins requirements for good indoor air quality, acoustics and avoidance of over-heating.

The project includes an extension to accommodate a studio building which is a multi-functional and open plan space for key internal circulation links between the new junior building and existing infant building. The scheme also includes photo-voltaic panels to the studio, green roofs and detailed assessments of the natural day-lighting performance in the occupied areas.

Not only is the school the first Passivhaus School in Wales, it is extremely energy efficient and exudes a sense of calm and comfort making it a place where it is easy to teach and learn with the building acting as a stimulus for the children.

The project has been recognised at a variety of awards most notably announced as the Sustainability Winner at the 2016 Welsh Architecture Awards as well as winning Architect of the Year Winner.

It was shortlisted in 4 categories at the Constructing Excellence Wales 2016 Awards and was Highly Commended at the LABC Wales Awards 2016.