Harris Junior Academy, Carshalton

We worked with ESS Modular on this project to provide a classroom extension to the existing Harris Junior Academy. The building is a single storey steel-framed modular building, formed from the installation of seven modular units. The new extension includes three classrooms (59m2 each), stores, and a boiler cupboard.

PV panels were installed to the roof of the new building to provide solar power thus minimising the use of electricity from the national grid. High level electronically operated skylights were also installed, to bring in more natural daylight and ventilation to the three-class bases, which are operated by CO2 sensors with a traffic light alert system for the teacher and a manual override, thus minimising the necessity for constant artificial lighting.

In addition to this, the lighting system has been designed with motion and natural light sensor system allowing the lights to react to the natural light entering a specific area and adjusting each individual light accordingly. These also turn off when they are not in use to raise the overall energy efficiency of the building. Mechanical opening skylights were used in the general traffic areas to allow a fresh airflow when needed.

The building has been constructed in a traditional rectangular shape which offers a large open plan feel to the internal area. The main west-facing wall has been constructed with over 80% glazing allowing a lot of natural light into the three-class bases.

The roof is covered in a Trocal warm decked membrane roofing system which emulates older zinc or lead type roof. This aids the aesthetics of the building and is a mono-pitch style finish which incorporates built up parapet perimeters similar to the existing building adjacent to the new build. This roofing system is more eco-friendly than traditional zinc or lead.