We are delighted to have been named finalist within the Small Project of the Year (up to £5m) category by Building magazine, with thanks to the hard work and dedication of the team who delivered the Queen Elizabeth II Building at Glenthorne High School.
The school had ambitious low carbon aspirations for this new building and embraced the broader aspects of sustainability, rather than a narrow focus on only operational energy use. In addition, they needed the building to be durable as well as being a comfortable and calm space, conducive to a positive learning environment.
Working in collaboration with, Plan A Architects, Isosceles and Scott White Hookins, MCS fulfilled their vision by delivering the new 340m2, low carbon, single-storey bulge class and 6th Form Centre incorporating teaching and study space, whilst also providing much-needed welfare facilities and a café.
Justin Whiteman, Managing Director, said: “It is a huge privilege to be shortlisted and invited to these prestigious awards. We recognised right from the outset that this project was very special and the collaboration across the client, consultants and supply chain was exceptional. It fills me with pride to know that every single day, we make a positive environmental difference.”
Steve Hume, Chief Executive Officer at The Willow Learning Trust, said: “There’s certainly a wow factor when you enter and walk around the building. The pupils love the adult feel and the environmental features. They are fascinated by the hemp blocks and lime plaster, as it is visible through a vision panel; it has triggered many conversations and questions about what carbon-neutral means and how we are going to ensure that all buildings in future are carbon-neutral.”