St Petrocs Pre-School, Bude, Cornwall

The pre-school accommodates 36 children ages 1-5, and includes an office, staff room, children's & staff toilets, a 'messy play' area, baby changing area, kitchen, storage & plant room. Large low level windows with window seats maximise natural light and views to the garden.  Patio doors allow ‘Free-flow’ in and out of the building to the covered play area.

Features include a vaulted roof enabling well ventilated, naturally lit main play area with automatically controlled north facing clerestory glazing and a sedum roof to encourage wildlife and rainwater attenuation.  The building is clad with locally grown larch and has been designed to offer children and adult users a versatile, naturally illuminated, stimulating environment, which will stand the test of time and could be used comfortably for other community activities. Minimal space heating is provided by 2x5 kW Air source heat pumps with underfloor distribution, super insulation and triple glazing. With an excellent EPC rating the building maintains exemplar status within an affordable budget.