ISG's Highly Sustainable Science Block Inspires Devon Students

ISG began to work on a £1.7 million project which involved building a new science teaching facility at Uffculme School in Devon. Purpose-built to integrate some of the newest innovations in sustainable construction technology, the new building is intended to become an integral part of the science curriculum as students will be able to view the green energy production processes at work on visual displays.

The two-storey, L-shaped steel frame structure will become a stand-alone resource at the campus and replaces outdated facilities split across two buildings at the school. Housing seven high specification teaching laboratories, alongside preparation rooms, a staff room and communal areas, the new building has a contemporary design with large areas of glazing, brickwork and render to its façade.

The science block incorporates a range of sustainable technology to minimise its environmental impact, reduce overall running costs and provide a valuable real life teaching aid. Technologies include roof mounted photo voltaic cells, to generate emission free electricity, and a ground source heat pump system, which extracts latent energy stored in the ground and uses this to heat the building.

Additional sustainable features see the installation of roof mounted sun pipes to increase the volume of natural light entering the structure and reduce the requirement for artificial lighting. The building will also benefit from solar shading via the roof overhang and fixed brise soleil to minimise solar glare and associated heating.

ISG will carry out the project within a busy, live environment with complex logistical challenges and the requirement to provide access to the school playing fields at all time. The scheme is scheduled for completion at the end of the year.

ISG’s John Rawlinson, managing director – South West, commented: “The opportunity to use a new school development as an important learning resource is an excellent way for students to understand how green technologies work in a real world context. Students will be able to see exactly how much energy their new science block is generating and I’m confident that this application of technology will help inspire and educate generations of Uffculme students to come.”