Celcon chosen for ‘green’ school project

Celcon blocks have been chosen by Redbridge Council to provide blocks for a new ‘green’ school, Winston Way Primary School in Ilford, Essex.

A high level of both thermal and acoustic insulation was needed and Celcon Hi Seven and Standard blocks were used for both the internal and external leaves of the building at ground floor level, to infill the Metsec steel frame. With a fully filled cavity the walls achieved a U-value of 0.25W/m”K.

Sustainability has been a significant issue throughout the design and construction of this new, state-of-the-art school, so the low U-value achieved by a double skin of Celcon aircrete blocks was particularly appropriate.

The complex also incorporates four grass roofs; self-cleaning glass and lotusan self clean render and uses recycled rainwater to flush its toilets. The school is situated on a busy road in Ilford, so good acoustic insulation is of prime importance.

Neil Woodhouse, project manager for Osborne the contractors, had previously used Celcon aircrete blocks on a large nursing home project in Pinner, Middlesex and was keen to use them again on this project, to which both architect and structural engineer agreed.

The school is opening in stages from the start of the academic year in September and will provide places for 630 pupils together with a nursery.