A low-energy, timber-framed primary school linking indoor learning spaces to sweeping rural landscapes, fostering community and sustainability.
A low-energy, timber-framed primary school linking indoor learning spaces to sweeping rural landscapes, fostering community and sustainability.
Shillingstone Primary School was commissioned to replace the existing provision and serve the local village population. The brief called for an open, central learning area, with classrooms radiating into it and opening out to the countryside and play zones beyond. The school hall was designed to be multi-functional – not only for lessons and sport, but also for community use. On the exterior, carefully considered materials — brick, flint, rendered panels, timber boarding, and aluminium-clad timber windows — give the building a vernacular, contextual feel that respects its rural setting.
AWA were responsible for the structural design, including foundations, timber frame superstructure, and glulam timber roof elements. The roof profile, which is relatively low despite the building’s deep plan, uses curved glulam beams – 50 beams up to 14 m long – to meet both the challenging geometry and the high aesthetic demands of the design.
Outside, the school is not just a playground: the external spaces were master-planned to create gathering points at the front, social play areas at the rear, a hard play zone, and a sports field. The natural sloping site was used to its advantage, forming a small amphitheatre built into the grass bank. The design encourages connection between the internal learning spaces and the natural environment, whilst offering flexible facilities for the wider community beyond school hours.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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