Exeter, Devon, UK.
Two new schools in Exeter. Sharing of project management and building contractor between the Schools allowed economies of scale which benefited both schools, but also led to many similarities in construction and style. Nevertheless each involved in-depth briefing with teachers, parents, local residents and governors, leading to distinctive individual solutions.
In St Nicholas Roman Catholic Primary, the Early Years provision is integrated with a pre-school nursery, separately accessed and with dedicated and outside play areas.
The Pinhoe Church of England primary school was built on the steeply sloping and constrained playing field of the existing school, which continued in operation until completion of the new building.
Both schools were built to high environmental standards, including thermally massive internal construction, wind-catchers and sun-pipes, extensive green roof, and local materials. The design features solar shading and linkages from classrooms to individual outside teaching spaces.
