BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE
accepted technologies. He commented: “In 2007, Oman suffered an horrific cyclone which left 4,000 families homeless, but the government was forced to abandon its project to import temporary accommodation due to an insufficient electricity supply and the astronomical cost involved. The solution was simple- easy to assemble flat-packs with built in solar panels that could be stored and transported effectively. “I wasn’t reinventing the wheel, the technology was already there; it just needed to be harnessed. It soon became clear that this technology would fit into a variety of contexts, such as living accommodation, office space, temporary site offices, emergency medical facilities, schools, communications relay stations, with the ability to be reused in a variety of scenarios,” Derick added. For The National School the pitch ticked all the boxes, with the additional capability of providing a valuable revenue source that would eventually offset the initial outlay, which is approximately 10 per cent more than the conventional modular building. Each of the 112 solar panels that line the roof produce on average 1.2 kilowatts of electricity a day, estimated to be worth around £18,500
NCY
per year when sold to the National Grid. Dr. Edwards commented: “Blue Planet Buildings stood out because it was different, innovative and forward thinking. The concept it put forward matched our need for a building that was flexible, capable of expansion in the future, and as energy efficient as possible to support our mission as a Christian school and technology college. The building gave us the opportunity not only to minimise our carbon footprint and the trappings that go along with that, but most importantly it is an educational resource for our pupils, raising awareness whenever they use it.” The solar panels are managed in the plant room housed within the building, which captures data on energy usage and light conditions, providing detailed reports via graphical interfaces, and includes a meter displaying electricity efficiency, also ideal educational resources. However, the main function of the plant room is to convert the energy generated into suitable 230 volts mains power, which is done using seven invertors which constantly synchronise by adjusting wave form in correspondence with the National Grid.
A graphical impression of how Blue
Planet Buildings work in a school
environment
To carry power and water to the various outlets, the walls of each module are composed of layers of metal alloy and composite board. These have pre-installed water and electrical pipes, channels and wires and can be locked together allowing for ease of installation. The construction process is made simpler still as there is no requirement for pre-cast concrete slabs that elevate the building, meaning that steps and slopes are not required for access. Dr. Edwards continued: “Further down the line, we are looking to build upwards, a feature that we would not have been able to enjoy if we had opted for a standard modular format. The design of the building enables us to easily add modules to the existing structure to accommodate further learning space as our requirements change.”
As Blue Planet Buildings’ first order, the success of this project was the make or break moment for the business, with the likelihood of further orders depending on it. To add to this, the build was confirmed in mid June, due for completion by the start of the school year, leaving Derick just over two months to get the job done, with no premises, staff, or the specialist equipment and materials required. Putting together the tool’s that would mould the aluminium girders to form the skeleton of the build, and the manufacturing process itself, would take up to six weeks, taking the project dangerously close to the deadline. So when the tool for the main structural beam blew-up halfway through, things weren’t looking good. Luckily, the firm in charge, Kirdale Engineering in Bulwell, agreed to work around the clock to get the job done, but this still put the schedule a week behind.
With the fourteen frames made, and
materials for the solar panels delivered from China, Derick, with the help of family and friends was able to erect the structure on site. The contractors took it from here, finishing the building with fixtures and fittings as per the school’s specification, which included sensory taps, to reduce waste water, under floor heating designed by Blue Planet, energy efficient lighting, and unisex toilets to maximise space.
Derick added: “Despite this major hitch, at no point did I think that we couldn’t get the job done on time, that wasn’t an option, there was too much riding on it. Now that we have investor backing and big orders coming in, we have been able to recruit staff, secure premises and buy equipment, meaning we can manufacture the buildings here, and deliver them cost-effectively in flat-pack form ready to be assembled or fully pre- fitted.”
Pupils at the school have
complimented the building for its bright and airy feel, and parents have also heavily supported the project. Dr. Edwards concludes: “Developing an ethos of respect for our environment within the pupils is important for their future, and having a facility like this really helps us do it. It gives us the opportunity to demonstrate to the students in a practical way, the use of technology in reducing carbon emissions. In this sense, The Green Building is leaving a legacy with the pupils, who will hopefully be inspired to continue caring for their planet for years to come.”
The project came in at £205,000, and was part of £400,000 investment funded by the school and the Local Authority, and Blue Planet Buildings is involved with the Building Schools For The Future scheme.
www.blueplanetbuildings.com
SUSTAINABLE FM | JUNE 2010 |47
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