White Design’s “exceptional landmark” for Merthyr

Posted on March 30, 2010

On 26 March 2010 White Design handed over Ynysowen Community Primary School, a £4.9m project commissioned by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council in Aberfan, South Wales. When they return from their Easter holidays, 340 children will move into the new school, which combines two existing primary schools and a nursery.

Working with contractors Morgan Ashurst, the scheme began on site on St David’s Day, 1 March 2009, with the building taking just over a year to complete. Environmental features include ground source heat pumps, a rainwater harvesting system, solar hot water, natural daylighting and ventilation, and FSC timber throughout. Each of the classrooms has a winter garden with underfloor heating which provides additional break-out space throughout the year. 

Joyce Crandon, Education Business Manager at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said:

“White Design has produced an innovative school design which is environmentally and aesthetically pleasing, enabling the Authority to take forward its commitment to promote sustainability and energy saving options in new schools..... It is a real flagship for the Authority. White Design's principles for sustainable design and construction have produced a building that seems totally at one with its surroundings; we could only provide the valley but you have managed to fill it with a non-intrusive yet exceptional landmark!”