Project:         Navigation School, Altrincham

Client:            Trafford MBC

Value:            £3.5m

Following Ansell & Baileys recent appointment as Term Contract Architects with Trafford MBC, and subsequent successful competition entry to design and build a new Primary School in Altrincham, Manchester.

The existing school, built in 1905, had excessive structural problems, and it was decided to decant the school to a temporary facility built in the local park, demolish the school, and build the new school on the existing site.

The school comprises a two storey structure containing Nursery, Reception, Infant and Junior teaching facilities, along with ancilliary storage and sanitary accommodation.

Additional specialised teaching facilities are also included at first floor level, with reception and addministration at ground level.

The main hall is split into two facilities separated by a folding wall allowing both a flexible teaching area, and external letting possibilities.

The school was designed to allow the maximum amount of natural daylight to penetrate all parts of the building, and particular care was taken to include design and materials to incorporate passive ventilation and sustainability.

A wind turbine, solar panels and water harvesting were also included to reduce power levels, and to act as teaching aids to inform the pupils of harnessing natural resources.