A Shropshire primary school has gained an additional 86 sqm of teaching space following construction by SJ Roberts of a new building that serves as an exemplar of cost and time-efficient construction in challenging school environments. Short Wood Primary School in Wellington, Telford had enjoyed continued growth leading to a lack of flexible spaces equally suitable for teaching, breakout sessions and planning away from the classroom. In a bid to address this, the school had repurposed the existing library but was conscious that this wasn’t a long-term solution, and more space was necessary. However, its existing architecture limited the options for an extension to the main building. Mike Sambrook, MD at SJ Roberts Construction, commented: “Short Wood Primary School holds Green Flag Eco status, meaning that any additional building needed to not only complement the local landscape, but prove its energy efficiency and deliver utmost value for money. “These are challenges faced by many schools and whilst the team at Short Wood had considered a variety of extension and modular options, once we reviewed their needs it became apparent that a traditional timber frame open panel system clad in timber with a flat roof would provide them with the best solution. The added benefit being that it fell under Permitted Development Rights, meaning no planning permission was required.” The 86 sqm building was delivered in just eight weeks from site preparation to completion, and the use of heavy machinery was limited to school holidays meaning the site could remain operational throughout the build. As well as its speed of construction, the new school building boasts a “B” energy efficiency rating and is heated by a modern Air Source Heat Pump. Significantly for the education sector where budgets are under continual scrutiny, the entire build cost under £175,000.