Down High School, Downpatrick

Located in one of Northern Ireland’s oldest towns the 12,500m2 development includes the construction of a new state of the art campus, overlooking the Quoile Valley and River. It will deliver 90 high quality modern classrooms and learning spaces, a new sports hall and PE facilities, catering for up to 950 pupils. The innovative design was developed around rolling ground level changes with cleverly placed external facilities. This includes three sports pitches (a 2G hockey pitch, a natural turf full size and a junior rugby pitch) and five tennis courts. An abundance of sustainability features have been included on the site, with green roofs, extensive wild flower meadows, complete with bee hotel, raised garden planters and greenhouses as well as extensive cycling facilities. Pupils will also have access to a stylish sheltered courtyard for break times.

The build includes a structural steel frame with precast concrete upper floors. Externally, is a combination of facing brick, insulated coloured render and aluminium curtain walling, windows and doors. The project is targeting BREEAM Excellent and will incorporate energy efficient strategies including:

/ Photovoltaic panels on the low-pitched roof
/ Mixed mode ventilation with heat recovery
/ High levels of insulation and air tightness
/ High efficiency gas boilers
/ Low energy lighting systems
/ Rainwater harvesting