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Oakmeadow school

Oakmeadow Primary School is one of the first certified Passivhaus primary schools in the UK. Designed by Architype architects, the school has a lightweight, super insulated timber frame to achieve Passivhaus airtightness, with a simplified load bearing stud wall, wrapped by an additional layer of insulation created by Larson trusses. The services strategy integrates full MVHR for winter operation, retaining natural passive ventilation for summer day ventilation and night cooling.


Under Wolverhampton Council’s strict proviso that the Passivhaus school should cost no more than standard schools, the architects delivered the project on time and on budget. Early indications show outstanding performance and user comfort. As a result the architects are now working on other schools for the local authority.


A major contribution to the comfort of the occupants is the use of Troldtekt ceiling tiles in both classrooms and the sports hall. The tiles not only reduce reverberation time but offer high performance acoustic absorption in those areas, such as the teaching areas which need to be calm, studious and healthy and the play areas which, because of their hard surfaces, are traditionally very noisy.


Architype director Jonathan Hines commented, ‘Oakmeadow is one of two schools we have designed using Passivhaus principles to offer radically low energy consumption together with optimised comfort for children and staff,. We are convinced that designing to an energy target is the most logical and effective route to achieving carbon reductions. Troldtekt acoustic ceilings are one the products which have helped to meet our design and performance objectives - in this case optimising the acoustic environment using a natural and beautiful product.’


“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,” said Sara Morris, Headteacher at Oakmeadow School.

Project credits

Architects
Manufacturers

Product spec sheet

Manufacturers

Oakmeadow School

Oakmeadow School
Architype Architects

Oakmeadow Primary School is one of the first certified Passivhaus primary schools in the UK. Designed by Architype architects, the school has a lightweight, super insulated timber frame to achieve Passivhaus airtightness, with a simplified load bearing stud wall, wrapped by an additional layer of insulation created by Larson trusses. The services strategy integrates full MVHR for winter operation, retaining natural passive ventilation for summer day ventilation and night cooling.


Under Wolverhampton Council’s strict proviso that the Passivhaus school should cost no more than standard schools, the architects delivered the project on time and on budget. Early indications show outstanding performance and user comfort. As a result the architects are now working on other schools for the local authority.


A major contribution to the comfort of the occupants is the use of Troldtekt ceiling tiles in both classrooms and the sports hall. The tiles not only reduce reverberation time but offer high performance acoustic absorption in those areas, such as the teaching areas which need to be calm, studious and healthy and the play areas which, because of their hard surfaces, are traditionally very noisy.


Architype director Jonathan Hines commented, ‘Oakmeadow is one of two schools we have designed using Passivhaus principles to offer radically low energy consumption together with optimised comfort for children and staff,. We are convinced that designing to an energy target is the most logical and effective route to achieving carbon reductions. Troldtekt acoustic ceilings are one the products which have helped to meet our design and performance objectives - in this case optimising the acoustic environment using a natural and beautiful product.’


“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,” said Sara Morris, Headteacher at Oakmeadow School.

Brand description

Troldtekt panels are made from wood from Danish forests and cement produced by Aalborg Portland, Denmark. The structure of Troldtekt panels provides a basis for excellent sound absorption, and using Troldtekt ceilings will, therefore, reduce noise and provide optimal room acoustics. Other product properties are: effective fire protection, healthy indoor climate, simple installation, and high durability. Architecturally, the characteristic structure of Troldtekt panels also lends new opportunities for contrasting the smooth materials used in the building project. Troldtekt is available in a high number of combinations that vary according to surface structure, edge, installation system, dimension and thickness. Troldtekt offers PEFC-certified (PEFC/09-31-030) and FSC®-certified, which ensures that the wood used for the production of Troldtekt come from responsible forestry. Additionally, Troldtekt panels are certified according to the best indoor climate categories by Danish Indoor Climate Labelling, meaning that Troldtekt panels do not contain harmful materials or potential allergenics. In 2010, Troldtekt was awarded the Danish Building Industry Environment Award in recognition of the company’s focus on environment during the entire product life cycle. In 2022, Troldtekt panels achieved certification at Gold level within the Cradle to Cradle concept because the panels do not contain hazardous substances and can therefore be returned to the natural cycle as compost.

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