Mayflower Primary School

The design consists of two temporary buildings that accommodate 450 pupils, providing a safe and effective learning environment while the permanent school undergoes renovation. Despite its temporary nature, the school adheres to the design standards required for permanent educational buildings. Completed within just seven months from appointment, the project demonstrates Design ID’s ability to deliver high-quality designs within challenging timeframes.

A significant challenge for this project was managing the flood risk, as part of the site lies within a vulnerable flood zone. To mitigate this, Design ID prepared a comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment and engaged in detailed discussions with the Council’s Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) team. The site levels and kerbing were carefully designed to direct surface water towards an existing flood relief basin located to the southeast, ensuring effective water management during heavy rainfall events.

The drainage design incorporated a range of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage and store surface water effectively. Key measures included the use of filter drains, porous paving, and an attenuation tank. These systems not only provided robust water management solutions but also enhanced environmental performance. Notably, all surfaces on the site, apart from the building roofs, are permeable to maximise water treatment and storage during peak rainfall events.

Design ID’s innovative civil engineering approach maximised the environmental potential of the site. By utilising the existing flood relief basin and leveraging the porous characteristics of the area, the team was able to enhance surface water quality and reduce on-site flood risk. This ensured the temporary Mayflower Primary School provided a sustainable and resilient solution for pupils and staff during the renovation of the permanent building.