Solar control used in ‘classroom of the future'

The school was designed by Michael Wiggington, principal of Plymouth-based architects, the Designers Collaborative, and chair of the School of Architecture at Plymouth University.

The classroom at Witheridge Primary School in Devon, designed as part of the Government's national 'classroom of the future' initiative, is a model for what can be done to make best use of energy resources in the field of education.

The use of solar power was seen as the key to minimising use of fossil fuels and energy costs.

To maximise access to solar power the classroom was designed with large picture windows and a steel-framed glazed outdoor teaching zone to the southern aspect.

Solar control, an essential element of the project to ensure classroom temperatures stay within prescribed limits, was devised by London-based shading specialists Deans Blinds & Awnings.