Sustainable School Competition | Kent
RIBA Ideas Competition — Prize Winner
This national competition entry for Kingsmead Primary School in Canterbury was awarded a prize for its innovative and holistic approach to sustainable school design. Our concept imagined the school as a living, breathing environment—an organic, energy-efficient building that supports learning and wellbeing through its architecture.
The layout is centred around a top-lit central atrium—the heart and lungs of the building. This bright, open space promotes natural passive ‘stack’ ventilation, drawing in fresh air and helping to regulate temperature throughout the year.
Classrooms, offices, and ancillary spaces are arranged around the atrium in a compact, thermally efficient plan. The design maximises south-facing glazing to flood teaching spaces with natural light, while external sun louvres prevent overheating during the summer months.
The building envelope features super insulation and high thermal mass, dramatically reducing heat loss and energy demand. Integrated sustainability technologies include photovoltaic panels set into the atrium glazing to generate on-site electricity, and roof-mounted solar thermal collectors to support hot water needs.
In keeping with the ecological brief, rainwater harvesting is used for flushing WCs and irrigating landscaped areas, reducing water consumption and encouraging environmental awareness within the school community.
This competition-winning design demonstrates how sustainable strategies and educational spaces can come together to create a healthy, inspiring, and low-impact environment for pupils and staff alike.
"Mark came up with a wonderful design which maximises the natural attributes of our rural site”
Geoff & Gail Aucock
“Mark’s contribution has been invaluable. I have recommended him to others and I would be happy to work with him again”
Ruth Stoton
“Mark has been very straight-forward and professional and has given me sound practical advice.”
Roger Ross
“Working with Mark was a fantastic experience from start to finish. We couldn't have been happier with the end result.”
Andrew & Emma Wilkie
"It's his quiet confidence that makes you feel more confident about what it is you’re doing. We would definitely recommend working with Mark from Koru."
Adele O’Hehir
"Koru Architects have been a 'breath of fresh air’ in helping me develop my concept and taking this through to design."
Gino Fox
"Mark’s designs have been very innovative, making good use of a difficult site. His service has pleased me enormously!"
Herb Etkin
Ready to discuss a project? Get in touch today.
01273 204065
info@koruarchitects.co.uk
Studio 221, 91 Western Road,
Brighton and Hove, BN1 2NW
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