Sustainable development
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development can be defined as development that:
- meets the needs of the present and
- doesn't compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
It means not using up resources faster than the planet can replenish or re-stock them, and joining up economic, social and environmental goals. Click here for more information.
What does sustainability mean for schools in the UK?
"We would like all school buildings – old and new – to make visible use of sustainable design features and to choose green building technologies, furnishings and equipment as opportunities arise. Through their grounds, we would like all schools to enable pupils to learn about the natural world and sustainable living."
The UK Government would like every school to be a sustainable school by 2020. Click here for more information.
When considering a new classroom the school should consider the requirements set out above and facilitate a design that as far as is practicable utilizes sustainable features.
How Unit can help?
UNiT Classroom solutions provide the following sustainability features:
- Locally sourced materials are used where practicable.
- All timber used in the construction of a new classroom is from sustainable sources.
- The use of SIPS - Structural Insulated Panels - provides high insulation values and thus reduces the energy costs of the building.
- The use of low maintenance materials both externally and internally reduces the life cycle costs of the building.
- The use of a living Sedum roof helps with the insulation properties of the roof and greatly reduces rain water run-off.
"We have a living Sedum roof that flowers in September. On the last day of term when everyone else was experiencing flooding, we had no idea in school because our sedum roof just absorbed the lot"
-Denise Strutt, headteacher, Whitecross School, Herefordshire. Click here for more information.
Model Range
All our units are architecturally designed for you. However, the list below, will help guide you and help formulate a budget.
With no wet trades, once you have agreed your design and finish your quote is fixed price.
Under planning law, you could have this classroom fully functional without obtaining permission and within 2 weeks.
Standard Features
Under Floor Heating
Rubber Flooring
Internal / External Lighting
Internal / External Power Outlets
BT Points
Additional Features
Parklex Timber Flooring
Built-in Shelving
Data Points / TV
External Power Outlets
Chrome Face Plates
Blinds
Under current teaching space standards you could have this Unit with just over 20 pupils. You will need planning but it will be worth it.
Standard Features
Under Floor Heating
Rubber Flooring
Internal / External Lighting
Chrome Face Plates
Internal / External Power Outlets
BT Points
Additional Features
Parklex Timber Flooring
Built-in Shelving
Data Points / TV
External Power Outlets
Kitchen Unit
Blinds
A classroom for 30? with all you could ever want...
Standard Features
Under Floor Heating
Rubber Flooring
Internal / External Lighting
Dimmer Switch
Chrome Face Plates
Internal Power Outlets
BT Points
Additional Features
Parklex Timber Flooring
Built-in Shelving
Data Points / TV
External Power Outlets
Kitchen Unit
Blinds
At this size you can start to become self-sufficient with kitchen, toilet facilities, storage and cloakroom.
Standard Features
Under Floor Heating
Rubber Flooring
Internal / External Lighting
Internal / External Power Outlets
Chrome Face Plates
Data Points / TV
BT Points
Additional Features
Parklex Timber Flooring
Built-in Shelving
Kitchen Unit
Shower Unit
W.C. Unit
Hot Water Unit
Blinds
This big, and you have two classrooms and all the facilities you will ever need to create a perfect learning environment
Standard Features
Under Floor Heating
Rubber Flooring
Parklex Timber Flooring
Internal / External Lighting
Internal / External Power Outlets
Dimmer Switch
Chrome Face Plates
Data Points / TV
BT Points
Additional Features
Built-in Shelving
Kitchen Unit
Shower Unit
W.C. Unit
Hot Water Unit
Blinds
Your choice! We have the capability to make what ever it is you need.
Available Features
Under Floor Heating
Rubber Flooring
Parklex Timber Flooring
Internal / External Lighting
Internal / External Power Outlets
Dimmer Switch
Chrome Face Plates
BT Points
Built-in Shelving
Data Points / TV
Kitchen Unit
Shower Unit
W.C. Unit
Hot Water Unit
Blinds
Model Specification
We only associate with like minded companies. Our quality is second to none. Leaving you with building for the future, today.
All materials are commercial grade.
SIPS – structurally insulated panels are used for the walls, floors and roof. 125mm thick, giving a U-value 0.21. (that’s really really good by the way) Ensures sound proofing, insulation and strength: www.sips.uk.com
Options of natural cedar, oak or larch. Slow grown giving a greater level of stability. (i.e. not twisting and looking cheap) Or veneered sustainable-engineered panels by Parklex. (it honestly looks much sexier than it sounds!!) Allow you to choose from different veneer colour and cutting options. Parklex rain screen cladding façade provides a guaranteed long-term performance. A fantastic product that requires NO maintenance and is guaranteed.
• Parklex panels – veneered natural wood.
• Requires zero maintenance.
• Economic in longevity.
External – recycled aluminium frames powder coated. Options of opening, styles and sizes are available.
Glazing – clear toughened soft-coated Pilkington Glass, silver spaces and Argon Gas filled provide maximum U-Values.
Internal – Sunfold provide the frame, lining, architrave and door factory assembled.
Nora rubber.
Parklex - commercial grade engineered timber flooring.
Internal
• Parklex panel engineered veneered natural wood.
• Moisture resistant.
• Fire retardant.
• Acoustic absorbent.
• Conforms to all current EU safety and security standards.
External
Roofing Option or monopitch or flat EPDM Firestone membrane – the ultimate in waterproofing system Guaranteed for 25 years Manufactured from 100% recycled rubber.
We love using a sustainable sedum succulent blanket to finish the units.
Big or small we can design a Unit that fits your space. We will work with you to get the most out of our product and your space. We have shown a few examples for you to get a rough idea of costs but of course your Unit can be as unique as you!!
External Links
Panels & Cladding - Parklex
Structure - SIPS
Floor Finish - NORA
Interior Doors - Sun Fold
Roof - Firestone
Roof - Sky Garden
Ext Windows & Doors - Trade Plas
Eco Energy - Retherm
Engineering- Burroughs
Architects - Rio Architects
Arboricultural & Ecological - Tirlun Design