Orchard Grove Primary School is a new two-storey building serving 420 pupils and an integrated nursery. Located within the growing community of Comeytrowe, Taunton, it is Somerset’s first net-zero operational carbon school, approved in 2022 and opened in September 2023.
The project is currently undergoing the Passivhaus Classic certification process by Zero Energy + Passivhaus, which requires 12 months of in-use performance data. It was delivered by BAM Construction with architectural design by Stride Treglown, with a precision-engineered timber frame system by Lowfield Timber Frames central to its success.
We were proud to see this project shortlisted in the Structural Timber Awards 2025, recognising excellence across multiple categories.
Shortlisted Categories:
- Low Energy Project of the Year
- Education Project of the Year
- Project Manager of the Year
Why Timber?
Timber was chosen as the primary construction material due to its excellent environmental performance and compatibility with Passivhaus standards. Its low embodied carbon, airtightness, and insulation benefits made it the ideal solution for achieving the school’s net-zero targets.
The design team optimised the architectural form early for timber, choosing a compact, rectangular footprint with direct load paths. This simplicity reduced structural complexity and enabled efficient pre-fabrication, so the team could manufacture Larsen/twin-wall closed-panel systems offsite under controlled conditions and assemble them quickly on site.
Compared to masonry or steel, timber provided:
- Faster erection and earlier internal works.
- Reduced environmental disruption and site traffic.
- Predictable scheduling and budget control.
- Long-term adaptability for future extension or deconstruction, supporting circular economy principles.
Delivering Performance
Lowfield’s offsite-manufactured panels provided exceptional thermal performance and airtightness, both critical to Passivhaus compliance. Careful co-ordination of services avoided penetrations through the envelope, while MVHR ensured healthy indoor air quality.
The timber structure created an efficient shell that:
- Minimised heat loss and thermal bridging.
- Allowed rapid installation and reduced waste.
- Supported robust airtightness detailing with simplified junctions.
Combined with roof-mounted PV arrays, the building operates without reliance on fossil fuels, meeting net-zero operational carbon goals.
Collaboration & Innovation
From the outset, collaboration was key. Lowfield worked directly with BAM, Stride Treglown, and Paramount Structures during pre-construction to align sequencing, load transfers, airtightness interfaces, and M&E strategies.
The team shared BIM models and factory drawings to eliminate clashes and refine details before manufacture. This digital-first approach streamlined construction and ensured the project finished on time and within budget.
Sustainability & Long-Term Value
The design team took a fabric-first approach, prioritising performance and lifecycle value. They sourced all timber sustainably and required it to meet non-conflict standards, reinforcing both planning approval and environmental responsibility.
The modular frame allows for future expansion or dismantling, ensuring the building remains adaptable for generations to come.
Community & Client Feedback
Orchard Grove has been widely praised by stakeholders:
- Somerset Council described it as a “benchmark for future educational development” and the county’s “first net-zero carbon school.”
- Headteacher Sarah Taylor said:
“We’re proud to open a school that not only offers fantastic learning spaces but also reflects the future we want our children to help build — one that values sustainability and innovation.” - The education trust and teaching staff reported stable thermal comfort, improved air quality, and a calm environment that supports wellbeing and learning.
The education authority has expressed interest in replicating this timber-Passivhaus model for future schools across Somerset.
Key Outcomes
- First net-zero operational carbon school in Somerset
- 420 pupils + nursery capacity
- Efficient, prefabricated timber construction
- Rapid, low-disruption delivery
- Strong stakeholder endorsement
- Replicable model for future schools
Explore Orchard Grove Primary School here.
