Multi-disciplinary consulting engineer Buro Happold and Wilkinson Eyre Architects are celebrating the completion of Bristol Brunel Academy, as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative.

The scheme by Skanska involved the design and construction of a new state-of-the-art academy to cater for 1,200 pupils aged 11 to 18. It replaces the adjoining Speedwell Technology College, which will be demolished.

Buro Happold associate and project leader, Ian Tavener, said: “We are really pleased that the academy was completed in time for the new school year. This is a very promising beginning to the Building Schools for the Future initiative. The successful completion is testament to the continued successful relationship between everyone involved in the project.”

The academy comprises a three-storey “split” block of accommodation, subdivided into two
teaching areas, arranged around a central atrium. A series of internal footbridges and perimeter walkways connect each area within the building.

Sustainability, a major consideration for the project, has influenced the design of the building. Biomass boilers will provide most of heating and hot water load. A rainwater harvesting system has also been fitted, which has a capacity of 100,000 litres. A full tank will provide enough water for seven days usage of the toilet facilities at the academy.

Thermal mass is gained via a concrete frame, which will allow the school to operate as a predominantly naturally ventilated building. Daylight levels in excess of four per cent have been achieved in the teaching areas, reducing the dependency on artificial lighting.

Work began on site in May 2006 and the college was handed over by Skanska to Bristol City Council on 14 August. The three other schools involved in the Bristol BSF initiative are Whitefield and Fishponds Community School, Brislington Enterprise College and Hartcliffe Education Campus, which are all due to open in 2008 to 2009.

Launched in 2004, the government’s BSF initiative is an investment programme to rebuild or renew every secondary school in England. ICT forms a fundamental part of this investment, recognising the necessity of technology as a tool to transform