Project: Stonepark Nursery and Surestart Centre
Location: Heywood, Lancashire
Value: £1.6m

An initial study was commissioned into the future viability of an existing unused nursery building on the site. An initial options appraisal considered the refurbishment of the existing building, the construction of various forms of additional accommodation or the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a replacement building on the same site. The third option proved to be the most viable in terms of spatial and facilities needs, economics and environmental sustainability as the existing nursery proved difficult to extend and maintain. The proposal was to include a new nursery linked to another nursery facility on an adjacent plot and the subsequent re-ordering of the combined sites.

A key requirement for the building is minimal running costs, as it is anticipated that revenue finances will be hard to secure in the long term. The solution has been a highly insulated timber frame structure, with a low maintenance masonry skin; aluminium faced high performance timber windows and a robust steel composite roof. The building orientation assists the environmental performance by maximising controlled solar gain and day lighting; it is equipped internally with a high efficiency condensing boiler feeding under floor heating; lighting is controlled via light level and occupancy sensors, and ventilation is predominantly by passive systems. Renewable energy systems are being considered to further improve energy efficiency and take advantage of government grants available under the low carbon buildings programme.

The internal environment has been designed on low allergy grounds, with linoleum floors, and toxin free paints. Natural light levels within the building have been improved with the addition of numerous skylights and north lights; this has been proven to greatly improve children’s development.