The school is proud of its farm. It’s potential however is limited by the existing facilities, with the small group of dedicated staff making do with what they have. The proposals will demolish several structures in varying states of disrepair and construct a new net zero sustainable L -shaped building which surrounds the existing farm. In terms of use the building will be split in to two areas. The first will provide 5 additional specialist science laboratories, the second will be a purpose built farm classroom to be used during school hours and also for an after school young farmers club. The farm classroom will also be served by new changing facilities, animal feed store and hay barn, as well a farm shop to allow the school to promote and sell its produce to help become self sufficient. The building’s a-symmetrical roof pitches have been designed to allow PV panels on the south facing side to generate electricity for the school, and a sedum roof to the north to embrace sustainable design and promote biodiversity. An air source heat pump will also further underline the buildings energy efficiency. Large bifold doors will open out from the classroom in to the heart of the farm, using the change in levels to create a large outdoor teaching/demonstration area, which can be opened to the public for events such as lambing season.
