Orchard Grove Primary School
Sustainable learning for Somerset’s newest community
As families move into their new homes at Comeytrowe, Orchard Grove Primary School anchors the early stages of community life. Commissioned by Somerset County Council, the two-form-entry school provides 420 places for pupils and a 52-place nursery, with scope to expand as the neighbourhood grows.
Applying Passivhaus principles
From the outset, the aim was to make a simple, robust building that both performs well and feels good to be in. Working alongside BAM Construction and Futures for Somerset, we redesigned BAM’s Griffin Model school — an established framework for primary schools — around Passivhaus principles.
A simple rectangular plan improves efficiency and performance through a form-first approach, while the timber frame and prefabricated wall panels create a highly insulated and airtight envelope that lowers energy use. Orientation, glazing, and louvres manage light and ventilation, supported by heat-recovery systems that maintain comfort throughout the day.
A calm and confident identity
Material choices give the school a grounded, civic quality. A base of warm buff masonry provides a robust backdrop to play areas, and upper levels of light and dark grey cladding are punctuated by yellow accents at entrances and window reveals — bright enough to bring warmth on grey days, yet restrained enough to sit comfortably within the landscape.
Inside soft greens, greys, and timber tones create calm learning spaces that look out to the surrounding hills, reinforcing a sense of connection between the children and the landscape they’re growing up in.
Designed to grow with the community
As the school sits within the wider garden-community masterplan, its landscape is designed to blend learning, play, and nature. Orchard planting, wildflower habitats, and soft boundary treatments give the site a natural edge, while safe routes invite pupils to walk or cycle.
The outdoor play areas and sports pitches can be opened for local use, supporting everything from weekend sport to local events. In a new and fast-growing neighbourhood, Orchard Grove provides a space for people to connect at the heart of a new community.
