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School buildings: Meadow roof puts downs roots in Newark

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York-based timber construction specialist The Stable Company has boosted its sustainability credentials following the launch of its first "living roof" project – part of a major education scheme in Newark.

Kirklington Primary School is the first Stable Company project to be launched using the meadow roof technique.

The increased sustainability offering is new to the firm’s portfolio and means timber buildings can be even more environmentally friendly, especially relevant in the education sector, where such additions to a scheme can assist with securing funding for extensions and new school buildings.

The Stable Company was selected through tender process to provide a classroom/hall space to meet the needs of pupils, including provision for disabled pupils at the school. Owing to the rural nature of the campus and its situation within a conservation area, the building was required to blend in with its surroundings – a meadow roof was an excellent addition to an already environmentally conscious build.

Working nationwide from a specialist manufacturing facility in North Yorkshire; The Stable Company’s reputation for equestrian buildings soon advanced, gaining the business popularity in the education, hospitality and commercial sectors.

The business has witnessed a rise in enquiries as schools seek to meet place demand with a cost-effective, flexible space solution that can inspire while standing up to the wear and tear of school life.

Spacious: Inside the new classroom at Kirklington Primary School (Image: The Stable Company)


Headteacher at Kirklington, Tracy Burn-Smith, said: “We don't know how we managed for so long without this building! The pupils were so excited to move in, we had to move before it was actually signed off – we couldn't make them wait any longer – for year 6 in particular, who will be leaving in July, it's been wonderful to finally inhabit the space they've been raising funds for over the last three years. Honestly, it's a dream come true for us.”

Gareth Barber, managing director of The Stable Company, added: “Since we launched this offering last year we have had incredible interest, mostly from the education sector. Green, or meadow roofs, are an exciting way to make our timber buildings even more environmentally friendly. We are seeing a huge surge in education builds both close to home and further afield.”