Project Name: Winterstoke Hundred Academy
Location: Weston-Super-Mare
Power Coating Supplier: Euro Quality Coatings EQC
Project Overview:
Euro Quality Coatings supplied 107 louvres as part of a colourful design scheme for Winterstoke Hundred Academy, a secondary school located just outside Weston-Super-Mare. The school embarked on a significant expansion project to accommodate up to 900 additional students. This expansion, funded by Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, aimed to provide modern teaching facilities to improve educational outcomes for students and serve the needs of the growing local community.
Winterstoke Hundred Academy’s new school building represented a substantial investment in the region’s future for which North Somerset Council, Cabot Learning Federation, and project contractors Kier collaborated to deliver.
Sustainable Design:
The expansion project was not only about constructing a new building but also about investing in sustainability and environmental responsibility. Winterstoke Academy aimed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with the new building designed to attain the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘excellent’ rating.
Euro Quality Coatings (EQC) played a crucial role in this endeavour by supplying 107 louvres in vibrant orange and yellow hues. Coating material from Akzo Nobel D1036 QUALICOAT Class One, in RAL2000 matt and RAL1018 Matt. This contributed to the building’s modern and sustainable aesthetics and to the solar management for this project. Since the sun is obstructed before it hits the glass, it is a much more efficient way to reduce heat gain especially during the summer. During the winter, the 107 external louvres allow the much-needed solar gains, which leads to a better thermal comfort and significant energy savings
The design team, led by AHR Architects and working closely with Kier, incorporated striking elements such as the coloured louvred panels and a glass façade above the entrance to celebrate the library this added to the building’s aesthetic appeal while ensuring durability and longevity.
The design prioritised passive design principles to minimise energy consumption, with a focus on optimising building orientation, form, and natural daylighting. Photovoltaic panels on the main building roof contributed to net-zero carbon operation, aligning with Winterstoke Academy’s sustainability goals. Additionally, the school facilities were designed for community use outside of school hours, promoting engagement and collaboration beyond the classroom.
In Summary:
Euro Quality Coatings (EQC) played a pivotal role in delivering the colourful design of Winterstoke Academy by supplying the powder coating to all 107 of the aluminium louvres that not only enhanced the building’s aesthetics but also contributed to its sustainability objectives. The collaboration between EQC and project contractors exemplifies the successful integration of innovative design, quality materials, and environmental responsibility in educational infrastructure development.
