St Petroc’s Pre-School

Project Brief
Type: Education
Area (m2):
Budget: Disclosed
Features:
Designed by ARCO₂ using a unique pre-fabricated modular straw bale system. The pre-school accommodates 36 children ages 1-5 and includes an office, staff room, children’s & staff toilets, messy play area, baby changing, kitchen, storage & plant room. Large low-level window seats maximise natural light and views to the garden. Patio doors allow free flow in and out of the building to the covered play.
Features include a vaulted roof enabling well ventilated, naturally lit main play area with automatically controlled north-facing clerestory glazing and a sedum roof to encourage wildlife and rainwater attenuation. The building is clad with locally grown larch and has been designed to offer children & adult users a versatile, stimulating environment, which will stand the test of time and used comfortably for other community activities. Minimal space heating is provided by 2 x 5kW air source heat pumps with underfloor distribution, super insulation and triple glazing. With an excellent EPC rating, the building maintains exemplary status within an affordable budget.