Whitehouse Farm Primary School: a model for sustainability and innovation in education centers

2024 Architecture project Chichester (United Kingdom)

Project requirement: Climatization of a primary school

Type of system: Radiator, underfloor heating and natural ventilation with heat recovery being supplied by air source heat pump.

Giacomini’s HVAC technology sets the bar for comfort in school buildings

The Whitehouse Farm Primary School in Chichester (Sussex, England) is one of the most recent projects which Giacomini has contributed to. Completed in 2024, it stands as a beacon of sustainable and innovative educational infrastructure, as exemplifies the integration of advanced heating and ventilation technologies tailored for modern learning environments.

The newly completed single-story primary school accommodates up to 210 students across seven classrooms and a dedicated nursery. Additional facilities include a school hall, kitchen, and administrative areas for staff and the head teacher. These spaces were thoughtfully designed to foster a conducive learning environment and accommodate the diverse needs of both students and educators. The project’s architectural layout emphasizes space optimization, accessibility, and natural lighting, aligning with modern educational building standards.

 

A cutting-edge radiant system by Giacomini

Beyond its thoughtful design, a standout feature of the school is its heating system supplied by Giacomini. These include a combination of radiators, underfloor heating, and natural ventilation equipped with heat recovery capabilities powered by an air source heat pump.

The integration of underfloor heating provides uniform and comfortable temperature control, while the use of air source heat pumps reduces reliance on traditional energy sources, contributing to lower carbon emissions increasing efficiency and reducing energy costs.

For better high-efficiency, Giacomini has used components such as the R401DBX, R553FPDB, and R206A dynamic balancing valve (PICV) ensure optimized performance and energy saving costs throughout the facility.

 

Collaborators in the project

The project was developed by Ascia Construction as part of a broader residential initiative led by Vistry Group and Miller Homes Ltd for the West Sussex County Council, highlighting the government commitment to promoting environmentally friendly infrastructure.

The successful realization of the project involved the collaboration of several partners. Mechanical consulting engineers from Ramboll and Westech Engineering contributed their technical expertise to ensure the successful design and integration of heating and ventilation systems. Accolade Building Services played a pivotal role as the customer liaison, bringing technical oversight to the execution process.

Ascia Construction managed the overall design and build contract, executing the vision laid out in collaboration with the various stakeholders, including architects and planning authorities.

 

The role of Giacomini systems in the future of education center design

By integrating advanced heating technologies and prioritizing energy efficiency, the Whitehouse Farm Primary School becomes a flagship project in educational infrastructure development in England.

Giacomini solutions help to create healthier, more sustainable learning environments for future generations, and overall, deliver green and efficient solutions for public buildings, as seen in other projects like the Ajaccio Hospital in the Mediterranean isle of Corsica.