Orchard Primary was commissioned as a Benchmark Sustainable Primary school for Bexley Council alongside Upland Primary School.  The new building sits at the foot of a sloping site in order that the existing school could function whilst construction was underway.  Its orientation maximises the passive energy benefits of the sun.  Each classroom includes a quiet room and store with a toilet pod accessible from the playground and an external landscaped classroom the centre of which is an allotment. 

 

A sedum roof covers the building which given the sloping nature of the site becomes a key aspect of the building.  It is a roof alive with the elements of a sustainable building.  An extensive Photovoltaic array sits within the sedum providing electricity for the school.  A vast number of rooflights are scattered around the roof ensuring that all internal spaces are also lit with natural light.  Each classroom faces the south and has clerestory glazing and solar shading to maximise the benefits of the sun.  The building is clad in timber.  This project was led by Jason Wren whilst an Associate at Studio E Architects.