Wolverhampton Schools

Bushbury Hill & Oakmeadow Primary Schools, Wolverhampton

Oakmeadow and Bushbury Hill Primary Schools are two of the first schools to have achieved Passivhaus status in the UK.  In keeping in line with the design brief for energy efficient buildings with well ventilated internal spaces, Architype specified KEIM Ecosil-ME for the interior paint coatings.

The schools are highly insulated to ensure maximum heat retention internally.  Specially designed vent-grilles allow fresh air ventilation to avoid overheating whilst maintaining a high indoor air quality.

It is thought that people typically spend 90% of their time indoors and there is growing concern over exposure to pollutants found indoors, and the potentially adverse effects on human health, productivity, comfort and well-being. The document Building Bulletin 101: Ventilation of School Buildings states that ‘achieving good indoor air quality in schools, depends on minimising the impact of indoor sources, as well as reducing pollutant ingress by effective design of the building and operation of the ventilation system.’

‘Some VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are known to be toxic and can adversely affect children in vulnerable groups (for example, those that suffer from asthma and allergies). There are also suggested links between VOC levels and behavioural problems in children. At the levels found in school buildings, however, the most likely health effect is short-term irritation of the eyes, nose, skin and respiratory tract.

KEIM Ecosil-ME can help to contribute to the improvement of internal air quality in many buildings and is ideal for schools and hospitals where occupants of the building may be more susceptible to the effects and suffer more long term consequences of the problem.

‘The children are more alert in the afternoon, and are more attentive because the air is so fresh and comfortable. The daylight is just fantastic and the spaces make a big difference. It has raised our spirits and there were whoops of delight on the first day – the children and teachers absolutely love it.’ Sara Morris, Headteacher at Oakmeadow Primary School told Architype.

We would like to say a special thank you to Architype and Leigh Simpson Photography for the excellent project photographs.