To allow for the amalgamation of the infants and junior schools onto one site, and following a design competition run under KCC's framework, DLA developed an innovative expansion and refurbishment project for Greenfields Community Primary School in Maidstone, Kent.

A series of junior classrooms and associated facilities were designed using a construction system based on standard shipping containers, providing a number of advantages for the client: the majority of the construction work is carried out off site where high standards of finish can be assured; the building can be built to a much tighter programme than with traditional methods and importantly, the cost of construction is lower than that of a traditional building - in this case sufficiently cost effective to allow for the refurbishment the existing school buildings as well.

 

The School specifically requested that the building not be clad in primary or bright colours, but presented a 'grown up' image, and that it should be a high quality building that the staff and pupils can respect and be proud of. The external finishes - profiled metal painted silver, translucent polycarbonate and blue tinted glass - results in a sleek and light design that will provide generous, well-equipped and light filled teaching spaces set in an interesting landscaped environment.