EDUCATION-JAN10-PG41:Page 6 24/12/2009 10:12 Page 41
Design & Build
Could this record breaking building be the
answer to the UK school places shortfall crisis?
panoramic views to all aspects of the grounds. The new building was
designed as an ‘enrichment room’, where a large number of children could
benefit from free space to enjoy music, drama and dance as well as a quiet
and peaceful environment to learn. The overall design therefore had to be
light and spacious and ensure adequate provision of acoustic, thermal and
aesthetic properties, as required by the SOR Project Mandate.
Charles Hardingham, Head Teacher at Coupals Primary School is justifiably
enthusiastic about the school’s new facility; one that started from a few
inspired drawings and a personal wish list. ‘Our school motto is “learning
with enjoyment”,’ explained Mr Hardingham. ‘I wanted a space for
enrichment; one that children of all abilities could use for therapeutic stories,
drama, music, assemblies and for teachers to enjoy too. I also wanted a
building that reflected a multicultural theme and so I sketched something that
looked like a nomadic tent with huge cushions where children could relax
and learn. I couldn’t believe it when a week later a leaflet arrived from
Alfresco Rooms showing a design almost identical to my drawings.’ ‘We had
already worked with Alfresco’s sister company Able Canopies, the canopy
experts who had designed and installed our walkway canopies so I knew and
I
n the same week that the Department for Children, Schools and Families trusted their design knowledge and the quality of their workmanship.’
announced an extra £100m in funding to tackle a national shortfall of tens You only have to stand inside our new Alfresco building to enjoy light,
of thousands of primary school places; UK Company Alfresco Rooms Ltd space and views from every angle and we are sure that it will improve the
unveiled an alternative building solution that could be the answer to this enrichment of our children’s learning and creative development”
growing crisis. ‘We had an Ofsted inspection last week and the inspectors enthused about
the new facility, reporting that the school has “Worked hard to enhance their
New school building delivered in less than seven weeks environment and create something that was, uplifting, enjoyable and
In a flagship project, Coupals Primary School in Haverhill, Suffolk opened the sparkling”,’ said Mr Hardingham.
doors of a custom designed Alfresco free standing classroom, the first of its ‘At Coupals Primary School we believe that learning shouldn’t be confined
kind in the UK and believed to be the largest stand alone building of its type and Able Canopies had already helped us with a series of wonderful outdoor
in the country. Incredibly, the bespoke octagonal building was delivered in learning spaces. You only have to stand inside our new Alfresco building to
less than seven weeks, with minimal upheaval to the school, meeting all enjoy light, space and views from every angle and we are sure that it will
stringent building regulations and exceeding eco guidelines. improve the enrichment of our children’s learning and creative development.
Head Teacher Charles Hardingham, commissioned the Alfresco P7000+ to The whole Alfresco Room is a very special place for the children to be.’
accommodate increasing numbers at the 182 pupil school, where places are
expected to rise significantly as part of the School’s Organisational Review. u01304 331894
The school’s vision was to create a light and airy octagonal building with uwww.alfrescorooms.co.uk/coupals_primary_school.htm
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