KEMPSHOTT Junior School is a large Hampshire school near to Basingstoke town centre, that shares its site with Kempshott Infant School.
The school has 12 classrooms, a children’s kitchen, a library, a hygiene room for disabled children, an outdoor classroom and a large hall The school wanted to create a new area for a library and a quiet space for students. Previously, a classroom was being used for this purpose and they wanted to reclaim the classroom and create a quiet room for those with needs. The new design area had to include a library and a large staff area for learning activities. An alternative option considered was priced at £250,000, but the modular bespoke design Vivid Green offers was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and more appealing design. Three different designs were proposed before the school decided to proceed.
The total internal floor area is 82sqm, which comprised: main library, 60sqm; and the main staff room, 22sqm. The project cost £186,000 and took four weeks, starting in March this year. The school is built on a slope in the playground area, with steps up to the build. The entire structure is constructed using SIPS, which complies with and exceeds minimum building regulations. External cladding is made of sustainably sourced red cedar, which is environmentally friendly. Composite decking is used for the walkway. The building uses galvanised steel ground screws instead of a concrete slab, significantly reducing the environmental impact. The project has significantly improved the learning spaces and enhanced the school's aesthetic appeal. It has also proven to be cost-effective, as the benefits far outweigh the investment. The remodelled library and new quiet areas are inviting spaces that everyone enjoys. There were no outstanding challenges to overcome during the project Jo Johnson, Admin & Finance Officer at Kempshott Junior School, said: “Vivid Green were very easy to deal with, and spent considerable time discussing materials and sizes with us. Their detailed drawings helped us visualise the project.
They were thorough in ensuring the right specifications, easy to contact, and willing to visit the site frequently. Their team was quiet and tidy, making the process seamless. “The new building is beautiful, situated on the playground with wood cladding, making it environmentally friendly and visually appealing. Both students and teachers love it. The new furniture is bright and vivid, creating an inviting atmosphere. It has positively impacted everyone, from the before and after school club to the entire school community.” A spokesperson from Vivid Green added: "We are incredibly proud of the completed project at Kempshott Junior School. Our goal was to create a functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing space that would enhance the learning environment for students and teachers. Seeing the positive feedback and the way the new library and quiet room have been embraced by the school community is truly rewarding. "This project highlights the significant benefits of schools and councils collaborating with small businesses like Vivid Green. We specialise in designing and building bespoke modular classrooms tailored to specific spaces, using the most thermally efficient and eco-friendly SIP building solutions. We aim to create a long-lasting and positive impact on educational environments for generations to come." www.vividgreen.co.uk