Tilbury Douglas starts DfE pilot biophilic school

New primary school was designed by Hawkins BrownTilbury Douglas has started construction of the UK’s first purpose-built biophilic primary school in a pilot scheme for the Department for Education.Derby’s new St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy will replace the original school which was destroyed by fire in October 2020.Architect Hawkins Brown’s biophilic design focuses on connecting those inside the building with nature and increasing biodiversity, while delivering a building that is net zero carbon in operation.The new school of five linked single-storey buildings will be predominantly low-carbon timber, employing Structurally Insulated panels.With mechanical and electrical engineering being delivered by Tilbury Douglas Engineering, the school will have a natural ventilation strategy and air source heat pumps alongside renewable energy, such as photo voltaic panels.Besides PV, some of the roofs will be green wildflower seeded to maximise biodiversity and local ecology.Simon Butler, managing director Building Central at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are proud to be the main contractor responsible for delivering this innovative pilot scheme for the DfE, as it will enhance pupil experience and influence the next generation of school design.”