Second award success for Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School
26 June 2023
Last week (Thursday, June 22) Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School won the Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Education Facility award at the Education Buildings Wales Awards 2023 ceremony. The awards recognise excellence in the design and build of schools, colleges and universities across Wales.
The award-winning school, which opened in January 2021, won the Value Award at the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards 2023 earlier this month.
The building, which was designed by Architype (Architects) and WSP (Engineering all Disciplines) and constructed by Pave Aways Ltd on behalf of Powys County Council, is the first Passivhaus primary school built by the council and meets the rigorous energy efficient standards required for Passivhaus certification. It was built as part of the council's Transforming Education Programme.
Constructed around a timber frame that was sustainably sourced in Wales, the school has a superior level of insulation and was built to be airtight. It also has a heat recovery and ventilation system and solar panels on the roof to minimise running costs.
The project was jointly funded by the Welsh Government, through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly the 21st Century Schools Programme), and the council.
Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and I'm delighted that Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School has, once again, won a prestigious award.
"This innovative project would not have been possible if it wasn't for the Welsh Government, our partners, school leaders and the Diocese of St Asaph. This award success is down to their contributions and efforts.
"This award-winning facility allows learners and teaching staff to reach their potential but it has been built to the highest energy efficient standards which helps the county reduce its carbon footprint."