Navigation Primary School, Altrincham

The new Navigation Primary School, which re-opened its doors to its existing pupils for the first time after the November half-term 2007, is a good example of a successful partnership between the community, local authority, designers and contractor.

Trafford Council, who engaged S I Sealy through their long-standing Framework Agreement, were keen to ensure that the new school incorporated as many low energy and renewable energy technologies as possible, with the primary aim to educate and inform the staff, pupils and local community about low energy design and sustainability.

The new one and a half form entry school comprises a nursery classroom, two reception classrooms, three Key Stage 1 and 2 classrooms and six Key Stage 3 and 4 classrooms, together with ancillary teaching areas, music room, ICT room and staff rooms. A large hall and adjacent studio have been specifically designed for both school and community use, allowing the school to lock down a lobby, lavatories and small kitchen before entering the hall or studio for after-hours use.