The Valley School, situated in Stevenage, is a recently completed educational facility designed for Special Educational Needs (SEN) students. Finished in December 2023 at a cost of £15.8 million, the school replaces an outdated 1960s building. Designed by Saunders Boston Architects and constructed by the Ashe Group, its focus is on meeting the specific needs of SEN students while also pioneering sustainable design in educational environments. Hertfordshire County Council plans to invest more than £50m over the next three years to meet the future needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities, including this project.
The school caters to 165 students. Each year group has clusters comprising three classrooms, social areas, dining spaces, calm rooms, breakout areas, and accessible toilets. Central facilities such as the hall, drama spaces, and sports hall are easily accessible for all students. Outdoor areas are tailored to enhance learning flexibility and engagement.
Sustainability
Valley Way SEN School is noteworthy as the region’s first net-zero carbon operational school, and the third school in Hertfordshire to claim this accolade. This achievement stems from features like green roofs, solar panels, and highly efficient insulation. The building’s design includes triple-glazed windows, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and superior air tightness, resulting in an ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). To maintain net-zero carbon operations, the school utilises renewable energy sources and boasts a high Coefficient of Performance (CoP) for energy efficiency. Strategic glazing minimises winter heat loss and summer heat gain, supplemented by external shading to mitigate sun exposure. The project aims to increase the local biodiversity by around 20% with it’s bird and bat boxes, and green roofs.
Collaboration & Problem Solving
The project exemplifies effective teamwork between Ashe Group, Saunders Boston Architects, and Hertfordshire Building Control. From the outset, collaboration ensured the resolution of challenges. As an example addressing fire safety concerns involved adding an extra exit in the main hall and installing a new fire door in a dead-end corridor, ensuring compliance without compromising safety.
Impact
The project has delivered £18.8 million in recorded social value! Against its £15.8 million budget, this reflects its significant community impact and economic efficiency. The Valley School represents a significant advancement in educational architecture and sustainable construction practices. With its innovative design and emphasis on sustainability, it sets a new standard for educational facilities and ensures a lasting positive impact on the community.