St. Mary's Catholic Voluntary Primary School - Education

Project:

St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy

Client:

Department for Education

Contractor:

Tilbury Douglas

Architect:

Hawkins Brown Architects

Value:

£12m

Location:

Derby, Derbyshire.

Completion Date:

June 2023 Innovare duration onsite 12 Weeks 2

GIFA: 2300 m²

Framework:

This is a DfE pathfinder project – the UKs first Biophilic school.

Sustainability:

Net Zero Carbon in operation

Innovaré System:

Psi-FAST

Construction is complete on the innovative eco-building for St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, following a fire that destroyed the previous school.

This biophilic school is part of a pilot scheme for the Department for Education. Biophilic design increases occupant connectivity to nature, promoting physical and mental health, and the building is net zero carbon in operation.

Innovaré Offsite supported the design, engineering, manufacture, and installation of the sustainable superstructure. The timber constructed school uses Innovaré’s Psi-FAST panels, designed for fire safety, thermal, and acoustic insulation, and loadbearing capabilities. Psi-FAST panels have an A1-rated non-combustible board and class 0 surface spread of flame rating, offering 60 minutes of standalone fire resistance.

The single-storey school includes a primary school and nursery with pavilions arranged along a central canopy. Each age group has a shared learning space, and the entrance building features a hall and communal areas. The buildings are naturally ventilated with solar panels and heated via air source heat pumps. Green roofs enhance biodiversity and local ecology