Cabinco have started work on The Ockendon Academy’s new £960,000 classroom block. The school fought long and hard to get the project off the ground after Council attempts to claw back some of the funds they had set aside for the build.
There was an emphasis on sustainability for the new building and so Cabinco Ltd have ensured that this is designed into the entire life cycle of the Ockendon Academy Building.
Timber is the only truly natural, sustainable, and recyclable construction material and this has been chosen as the main building component. Each classroom wall log has been precision engineered in a controlled factory environment which enabled the re-use or recycling of any waste. During construction a strong Site Waste Management Plan reduces landfill as a result of the project and moves maximum levels of waste to recycling.
Off-site manufacture minimises the need for heavy machinery and reduces the noise, dust and duration of the construction process. As Cabinco are members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and aim to improve the image of construction within the wider community they are good suppliers for the Ockendon Academy who clearly desire to be considerate neighbours to the people of Thurrock.
This building design also includes for maximum natural daylight which is proven to improve performance of pupils as well as prevent eyestrain and reduce ongoing energy costs. Use of natural daylight is further enhanced by the additional of a beautiful architect designed glazed atrium which will provide an open learning space to be enjoyed by pupils of the school.
Acoustic attenuation will help the concentration of the teaching staff and pupils by restricting the travel of noise between classes and thereby removing many distractions.
Low energy heating and lighting systems combined with high levels of insulation make sure that the on-going energy use is low and that the Ockendon Academy can run the building effectively without worrying about the daily running costs.
The new Classroom Block has a very long lifespan (in excess of 60 – 80 years), and it is re-assuring to know that as it is predominantly timber it can be recycled in a variety of fashions (including energy pellets) and will not cause a burden for future generations to send to landfill.
Further details can be seen on the recent article in Thurrock Gazette
http://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/news/9610393.Work_on_The_Ockendon_Academy_s_new_classroom_block_gets_underway/
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