Summer has established the plants beyond expectations with almost 100% cover rate. Now, with snow on the distant hills and iced over ponds, the plants have retreated back into their roots to await another Springtime.


Leven Valley C of E school was built in 1929/30 as a local Secondary school, later to become a Primary when small primaries were amalgamated. The building is of a timber frame construction on slate foundations, slate roof and an outside mesh render finish. Internally the timber frame is clad with painted tongue and groove panelling, creating a pleasing, timeless interior. Built around a central circulation space, once open to the elements but closed-in in the 1960’s/ 70’s, little has been invested into the building since then. The new works allowed the school to upgrade this circulation area, embracing a modern, green building approach.


The Design A new walkway roof was installed over the top of the existing felted timber roof. This enabled the school to still function whilst the work was being carried out. Thermafleece insulation packed the roof void with an additional 60mm of glass tissue coated polyurethane board above the 25mm thick spruce roof deck. A single ply membrane, EPDM Rubber by Hertalan formed the waterproof layer. It was made in 5 large pieces in the factory and welded together on site. A Hertalan moisture mat, drainage layer, geo textile build up with 100mm of substrate then supported a diverse planting scheme. A mulch of local slate in varying sizes (40mm- 100mm) was used around the edges. The kerb was capped with Western Red Cedar.


Internally the stud walls of the main frame had to be beefed up to take the extra loadings and all the structural posts of the window wall had to be replaced with a more substantial head beam. All the windows looking into the Quad were replaced. Aluminium / timber composite windows with high tech double glazed units have made the walkways warm and cosy.


Extensions into the Quad at opposite internal corners have created useful outdoor resources for storage and gatherings. Internally this gathering area creates a welcoming and lofty reception hall. The new paint colours throughout the interior section of the job have given the school a light, contemporary feel.


All materials used throughout the project have been chosen for their green credentials and have been sourced locally where possible-rubber pond liners, lambs wool insulation, cedar clad, clay paint, stone and iron, birch ply, local larch and peeled oak coppice.


High quality materials and attention to detail have transformed the school into a modern, inspirational centre for learning.


ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY MAGAZINE |157|

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