Ballifield Primary School - Classroom of the Future
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Approaching the classroom
Martine Hamilton Knight (website) Download Original
New entrance to a 1960s primary school incorporating two classrooms and a toilet block built as a result of a major DfES schools design initiative
The new classrooms did not intend to be stand alone prototypes, but rather a proposal developed with close relation to the setting, the existing building and the daily routines of teachers and pupils.
The entrance of the school was reconfigured to allow for universal access and to provide a light, well proportioned space to wait in. Rooflights cast natural light onto the ply walls. There are recessed display alcoves for student work.
The classrooms were designed to embrace new learning tools while allowing children to experience the natural and sensory aspects of their surroundings. A close relationship between the internal and external spaces aimed to encourage the school to expand its learning environment.
The building is clad in larch, painted plywood and planted trellising. Brightly coloured box bay windows allow space for 4-5 children to read with a strong connection to the external classroom.
Data
- Begun: Oct 2002
- Completed: Sep 2003
- Floor area: 248m2
- Sector: Education
- Total cost: £340,846
- Funding: Department for Education and Skills
- Tender date: Aug 2002
- Procurement: JCT98, without quantities incorporating sectional completion supplement
- Address: Ballifield Primary School, Handsworth Grange Road, Handsworth, Sheffield, S13 9HH, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Prue Chiles Architects
- Client: Sheffield City Council, Parks and Countryside
- Structural engineer: Sheffield Design and Project Management
- Quantity surveyor: Sheffield Design and Project Management
- Main contractor: Kier Sheffield LLP
- Project manager: Sheffield Design and Project Management
- M&E engineer: Sheffield Design and Project Management
Suppliers
- Glu-lam Structure: Kingston Craftsmen
- Rooflight supplier: Vitral
- Rooflight supplier: ESB Services
- Copper Roofing Subcontractor: Carlton Building Services
- External works: N.T.Killingley Ltd
- Cellulose Insulation: Warmcell
- Plywood Cladding: WISA Ltd
- Windows: Velfac
- Natural wool carpet: Construction Resources Centre
- Recycled plastic worktop: Smile Plastics
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