Case study: Ecoplus
Brenzett Primary School, Kent
Sustainability was an integral influence on a primary school project in Kent undertaken by Philip Payne at Mouchel Property Services on behalf of Kent County Council in 2001. Green Building Store’s Ecoplus System range of windows and doors has a unique environmental specification that appealed to the architects.
Ecoplus System's windows and doors are made from carefully-sourced timber, as opposed to the more ecologically-damaging PVC or aluminium options. The Ecoplus System utilised Iplus patented glazing technology which offers exceptional thermal efficiency (with a centre-pane U-value of 1.1 W/m2K). These features, combined with use of non-toxic boron timber treatment and natural oil-based wood finishes, which avoid the off-gassing and health hazards associated with conventional wood preservatives and paints, made the Ecoplus System a very sustainable option.
The brief from Kent County Council incorporated five classrooms, administrative accommodation, plus playgrounds and grounds, and the budget, provided by KCC, amounted to approximately £1.2 million. Philip Payne and his colleagues were able to demonstrate to their client the benefits of including sustainable options in the project. Financially it made sense too, with the timber windows coming out cheaper than aluminium alternatives. Teachers and pupils at the school, which was completed in 2001, are reported to be delighted with the sustainable aspects of their school.
Architect: Mouchel Property Services, Tel: 01622 772865, email: philip.payne@mouchel.com
Client: Kent County Council
Contractor: R.J. Barwick & Sons Ltd, Dover, Kent, Tel: 01304 20371