Ref: PR 3026
Date: 19/05/2011
Wakefield’s ground-breaking eco-primary school, Sandal Magna Community Primary School, has won a major architectural award.
The school, officially opened last year, was a Yorkshire winner in the 2011 RIBA awards and now goes forward to be considered as a Building of the Year in the RIBA Stirling Prize 2011.
The new school was commissioned by Wakefield Council to replace a Victorian building and was designed by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects as an eco-school and one of the most carbon-efficient schools in the UK. The school and local community was widely consulted in the design of the new building.
Cllr Peter Box CBE, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I am delighted that the innovative design of Sandal Magna School has been nationally recognised. The design of the school is not only eco-friendly but actually becomes part of the pupils’ lessons so they learn about looking after their environment both in their classrooms and from their classrooms. It sets standards which I hope other schools will follow.”
Head teacher Julia Simpson accepted the award with architect Sarah Wigglesworth at a ceremony in Manchester.
She said: “The pupils, parents, staff and governors at Sandal Magna are absolutely delighted to see our exceptional school recognised for the quality of its indoor and outdoor learning environment.”
The new building is inspired by its surroundings and Wakefield’s industrial heritage, reflecting the neighbouring redbrick houses and factory chimneys. Brick and timber are used alongside materials such as corrugated rainscreens and weatherboarding to provide interesting forms, shapes and textures.
Inside, the school is spacious and colourful, with flexible learning spaces and ventilation and rainwater collection systems on display to be used as part of active learning.
The school has 210 pupils, a nursery, community room and provision for further expansion.
Sarah Wigglesworth said: “I have always been extremely proud of Sandal Magna and am thrilled the building has won a RIBA award. It is an honour not only for me and my team but also for Wakefield Council and the school who worked so hard to push for the very best design.”
The RIBA awards have been running since 1966 and are awarded annually for the best buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows.
ENDS
