SHARROW CONSTRUCTION BUDDIES

WOW a film all about our school

2011-02-22T13:23:00.005Z

The National College of School Leadership made a film about our school. A long time ago we gave you the links to the interviews that formed part of it but now YouTube can take the whole video we have uploaded it for all you folks who have been asking about it. Click on the arrow below to see it.

We hope you enjoy it, even though we're not in it!
Love Brix & Morta

2010-09-20T12:30:00.004Z

GOODNESS...prime time exposure!!!

Our school green roof is on BBC 1 tonight @7.30pm September 20th 2010

Paul Hudson (The BBC weatherman) is presenting WILD WEATHER and visits the school it's roof and pupils.

http://www.radiotimes.com/ListingsServlet?event=10&channelId=92&programmeId=132135613&jspLocation=/jsp/prog_details_fullpage.jspdetails_fullpage.jsp

We're not sure if it's regional but it will be available on i-player later.

2010-09-14T22:32:00.008Z

TOMORROW...
WORLD GREEN ROOF CONGRESS 2010

http://www.worldgreenroofcongress.com/

We're off the tomorrows conference...we've been asked to tell folks about our green roof and also how it has influenced (we think that's the right word) the new green roof we hope will be built on top of the new 'MY PLACE' building in Lowfield, also in Sharrow.

There are people coming from all over the world.

2010-07-09T21:58:00.038Z

We were invited to London by Blanche Cameron to take part in a RESET debate...

RESET
Debate-The tension between ecology and architecture
BDP office-London

Cath http://www.shu.ac.uk/built/architecture/staff/basilio.html

shared the bill with

Gary Grant http://www.garygrant.me/

Dominic Coath http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

Dusty Gedge http://www.livingroofs.org/

Blanche Cameron director of RESET setting up at the beginning of the event. See link for more information about RESET.

http://reset-development.org/

The link below will take you to some video clips of the debate.

http://reset-development.org/#/events-talks/4539274650

We managed to get a front row seat.

The talk was held of the office of BDP Architects in London in Brewhouse Yard in Clerkenwell. What a great place to work, an old brewery but with a new bar in the lobby!

But it soon filled up with folks from all over London and further afield.

There were also some great models of some of the projects that the office had done. This one is Hampden Guerney school just off Edgeware Road. it's a primary school and is a bit like our school with terraces from every classroom but they have more floors and a tent on the roof instead of plants.

The really cool thing was that we got to stay over with Dusty Gedge http://www.dustygedge.com/ and even saw his mini green roof and shared a room with Lisa Lee Benjamin see here for her exciting ecological projects http://www.evodesign.biz/ and the next day we Cath took us to the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) for our lunch.

It was a really lovely sunny day as well, thanks everybody :-) xxx

Guardian (news) website

2010-04-13T12:09:00.011Z

The Green Roof Centre in Sheffield recently hosted a 'Green Roof Safari', it was a great oportunity to visit some of the green roofs within walking distance of the centre. Apparently there are now 14 roofs with vegetation on within just 400 m... WOW.

The introduction to the tour by Jeff Sorrill (Green Roof Centre Manager) referred to the roof of our school as 'the most important green roof in the country'. Last year Nigel Dunnett (Reader in Urban Horticulture) Sheffield University indicated that it was also probably the most researched roof in the country if not Europe.

'the most important green roof in the country''

Guardian news sent a reporter and photographer on the safari and the link below is to the site with a slideshow of stills and narration of the safari. They heard so many interesting things about the Sharrow roof that the photographer came back the next day to visit the school roof. The beginning of the film shows lots of pictures of the Sharrow roof and later there are ones of some of the features like the brick pile and it ends back at Sharrow.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/audioslideshow/2010/apr/08/sheffield-green-roof-safari

2009-10-22T14:32:00.002Z

Click on the link below the picture to go to the cbbc website where you can see what Ricky wrote and also watch the vide clip as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_8310000/newsid_8315600/8315696.stm

2009-10-22T09:35:00.002Z

Newsround 20th October-cbbc

2009-10-06T23:20:00.003Z

Award for school's 'green' roof
Sharrow School's green roof is proving to be a haven for wildlife in Sheffield
Pupils and teachers at a Sheffield school have been celebrating after their roof was given special protection as a nature reserve.

Attracting birds, bees and butterflies, Sharrow School's 'green roof' is the first in England to be given Local Nature Reserve status.

Parts of it have colonised naturally and trees have begun to appear.

Head teacher Lynne Ley said: "It's a great resource to get children out of the classroom to learn about wildlife."

The school's roof has become such an important wildlife haven in the city centre that conservation organisation Natural England, together with Sheffield City Council, decided it needed protection.

Special design

Ms Ley said children at the school got a lot out of the green roof.

She said: "They learn how important it is to look after the environment, not just on our doorstep but worldwide."

Designed to show the different sorts of habitats found around Sheffield, the roof is made from locally sourced and recycled material.

Peter Nottage, Natural England's regional director, said: "This is a superb example of how we can involve our future generations in looking after our environment."

There are several green roofs in England, with about 120 in Sheffield and Rotherham, but Sharrow School's is the first to be officially declared a Local Nature Reserve.

Sheffield City Council leader Paul Scriven said: "The Local Nature Reserve designation will protect the roof to ensure it remains a haven for birds and other kinds of wildlife."

2009-10-06T22:37:00.011Z

LOCAL NATURE RESERVE

CELEBRATIONS
Lynne Crowe board member for the Yorkshire & Humberside region of Natural England (sponsors of the LNR designation) presents us with the commemorative plaque. We'll need to find some space on the 'awards wall' now.

Lynne talks to the interviewer from the local television news programme Calendar about how important green spaces like this are. She should know all about green things, Lynne is a Professor of Environmental Management at Sheffield Hallam University.

Lots of important people came to the media event with photographers, radio interviewers and television people Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Local Environment) talks with children from the school before his television interview.

WE were able to go along to the media event and meet all the important people...we even had our photo taken with some of our friends from school and Cath our Architect.

2009-10-06T19:26:00.006Z

Why Sharrow is more than just a school to pupils and community
Sharrow Primary School head Lynne Ley and assistant head Evelyn Abram on the nature reserve roof

Date: 31 July 2009
By David Bocking

Many of our children live in flats or with extended families, so space is at a premium for them."

Traditional classrooms are from a Victorian mindset, she suggests. Corridors were ruled out (unused spaces for much of the day where problems can happen when children are squeezed together, Lynne explains). So were grills and shutters.

"Shutters and grills say keep out, but we want to say come in, not keep out."

The design of the building helps with behaviour too. The open classrooms and lack of corridors and the way everyone has to get along together has cut down on the traditional primary school squabbling in out of the way places.

"We never realised it would have so much impact," says Evelyn. "But everyone noticed that behaviour has improved."

And finally, the governors instisted on making the building sustainable for the future, so it was well insulated, a ground source heat pump was installed to provide heat and cooling from the temperature of the earth, and rainwater harvesting provides virtually all the water for the toilets.

"To start with, when we flush our toilets the water is yellow because the rainwater comes through the organic material on the roof, so the kids say 'Urgh, nobody's flushed the toilet.' But eventually that will be clearer."

That's the idea, says Lynne, but in the meantime all the kids are learning about sustainability by taking part in it themselves.

The roof itself is likely to be designated as an official local nature reserve: it's a 'biodiverse' rather than 'green' roof, and is designed to recreate the plants and insect life on the Sharrow ground.

As such, as well as helping alleviate flooding and cooling the summer classrooms, the roof is a boon for nature study covering wildflowers and insects.

The school's "Construction Buddies' blog (narrated by two bears, 'Brix' and 'Morta' ) details the whole process from planning the school, to building, to turning up at award presentations.

'We're off to another awards ceremony and big dinner (we'll have to start watching our waistlines soon)," said the bears recently before picking up the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' Design and Innovation award to add to the gongs and praises from the Sheffield Design Awards, the Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities, the Royal Institute of British Architects and Architectural Ironmongery journal.

And the children have recognised the qualities of the building as much as RIBA.

"One nine year old came up to me and said it doesn't feel like a school," says Lynne, with some pride. "It feels like a college."

2009-08-02T12:17:00.000Z

SHEFFIELD LIVE...

Our interview got 'bumped' until next week, same time same place.

2009-07-27T22:20:00.006Z

We've been recorded!

Cath & Lynne did most of the talking, we were a bit shy, but there were some photos taken of us, so hopefully when those are e-mailed through we'll get them on here so you can see the studio.

The interview will be edited and used in the programme going out 12-1pm on Thursday 30th July and again at tea time (5.00pm), you can also listen online.

Check out the link below to find out more about Sheffield Live 93.2fm , Sheffield Community Radio, the real voice of Sheffield people.
http://www.sheffieldlive.org/

2009-07-26T13:15:00.004Z

SHEFFIELD LIVE...

We've been asked by Nicola at Sheffield Live (have you listened to them on your radio at home?) to go and talk to her about sustainability (green/eco things), sharrow school and education. It is a recorded interview so we're not sure when it will go out on 'air' (broadcast so you can hear it), but we'll let you all know.

It is for their Communities Live programme that goes out 12-1pm.

2009-06-29T22:22:00.012Z

GREEN APPLE AWARDS
We were at Hampton Court Palace today to receive our Green Apple Award.
From the right: Kath our fabulous interior designer, Kate O'Mara (giving out the awards, she was in a TV programme called Howard's Way) Cath our architect.

We had some lovely strawberries and ice cream. Oh, and our trophy was an engraved plasterers trowel.

Hampton Court Palace was built in 1514, that's a long time ago. It has been used by kings and queens as well as Cardinal Wolsley who started the development of the site next to the river Thames. Read more about the history of the palace or even go and see it by following the links below,
http://www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace/ for the offical visitor information site
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Court_Palace for information about the history of the palace

2009-06-12T16:55:00.007Z

GREEN APPLE AWARDS

Another outing! We go to London (Hampton Court Palace-home of Henry the Eigth) on June 29th to collect a 'GREEN APPLE AWARD' we wonder if it will be edible?

LOCAL NATURE RESERVE

Work is underway to designate our roof as a 'Local Nature Reserve'. special visitors came last week to look at everything and we're keeping out fingers crossed that it will be the first reserve on a building!

2009-05-20T18:43:00.011Z

Gardeners World

...Britain has such a city (a city in a garden) leading the way in green roofs technology so I'm visiting one of its newest and most exciting projects aimed at educating the next generation.

Just click on the arrow/picture to play

The above is an extract taken from the BBC Gardeners World programme earlier this year. Wow...fancy that, Singapore, London and Paris...and then Sheffield.

"It's heartening that one enlightened Local Authority has had the vision to create this wonderful environment. If only more civic authorities would follow their lead." Joe Swift-BBC gardeners World

2009-05-18T22:54:00.011Z

Watch us...

video coming soon hopefully when we figure out how to convert quick time to somethign we can upload!

At a star studded ceremony in Leeds (sparkly curtains that is!) Harry Gration TV presenter for BBC yorkshire presented the 8 RICS awards (we were shortlisted in 4 categories if you remember). Brix had to get his posh bow tie out again as it was a 'black tie' event.

WE had some funny little fruits for dessert (pudding) they are called Physalis and they are the CApe Gooseberry fruit. They tasted very nice and sweet.

Oh yes, we also picked up the Award for Design and Innovation!

Follow the link to the RICS article...

RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards Winners Announced

2009-05-18T22:11:00.012Z

Region's top schemes rewarded at Pro-Yorkshire awards
18th May 2009
By Ian Briggs - Deputy Editor (The business desk.com)

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/11485-region-s-top-schemes-rewarded.html

AN EDWARDIAN theatre refurbishment, a school design and a retirement development have all been recognised as top building projects at the 2009 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate inspirational initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment.

Sharrow School in Sheffield picked up the award for design and innovation: (l-r) Evelyn Abram, Jo Tingle, Lynne Ley and Cath Basilio with RICS Yorkshire chairman Colin Harrop.

Harrogate's Royal Hall won the highly-acclaimed project of the year accolade after the theatre complex underwent a £10.7m refurbishment.
A total of seven projects from across the region were given top prizes at the awards, which were held at the Saviles Hall, Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Several of the winners have now been automatically entered into the national RICS awards later this year, where they will compete against building projects from across the UK.

Colin Harrop, RICS Yorkshire and Humber chairman, said: “Our independent judges had an extremely tough task choosing the winners as the awards attracted an initial entry of 76 projects this year. This is more than any other region in England, and the vast majority of entrants were of an exceptionally high standard.

“The winners really do put Yorkshire and Humberside on the map as a region that offers world-class, innovative buildings - they are truly inspirational projects that demonstrate the skills and creativity of our property professionals and their commitment to sustaining and improving the property landscape.”

Jennifer Welch, operations director of RICS North, added: “We had a great turnout on the night, which we really appreciate, as these awards symbolise excellence in the Yorkshire and Humberside property and construction sector and provide an invaluable opportunity for the region to celebrate and showcase its exceptional projects.”

Category winners at the RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards were:
Building conservationWinner: Royal Hall, Harrogate Highly commended: St James Church, Baildon
CommercialWinner: Stanhope Buildings, Horsforth
Community BenefitWinner: Castleford River Crossing and Fish Pass, Castleford Highly commended: The Art house, Wakefield Highly commended: The Green Lane Neighbourhood Centre, Whitby
Design and innovationWinner: Sharrow School, Sheffield Highly commended: Brompton Lakes, Richmond
RegenerationWinner: Bridlington Spa, Bridlington
ResidentialWinner: pad55, Pickering
SustainabilityWinner: pad55, Pickering
Tourism and leisureWinner: Leeds City Museum
Project of the year Royal Hall, Harrogate

2009-05-15T14:42:00.004Z

RICS awards tonight

We're off to another awards ceremony and big dinner (we'll have to start watching our waistlines soon). Keep your fingers crossed for us and your school!

Shortlisted in four categories:

Design and Innovation
Brompton Lakes, Richmond
Creative Arts Building, Huddersfield
Innovation Hub, Leeds
Pad 55, Pickering
Sharrow NIL School, Sheffield
University of Information Commons
Community Benefit
Castleford River Crossing & Fish Pass, Castleford
Hillside School, Beeston, Leeds
Sharrow NIJ School, Sheffield
Shibden Park, Interpretation Centre, Halifax
The Arthouse, Wakefield
The Green Lane Neighbourhood, Whitby

Regeneration
Brewery Wharf, Leeds
Bridlington Spa, Bridlington
Castleford River Crossing & Fish Pass, Casteford
Eastbrook Hall, Bradford
Sharrow NIL School, Sheffield
The Bay, Filey

Sustainability
Creative Arts Building, Huddersfield
Henley Rise, Rotherham
Pad 55, Pickering
Sharrow NIJ School, Sheffield
Shibden Park Interpretation Centre, Halifax
St Margarets Parish Centre, Horsforth

2009-05-12T23:23:00.008Z

NATURAL ENGLAND

Sharrow School roof has been proposed as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

If successfully accepted then it will join 16 other LNR's in Sheffield, but it will be the first ever on a building!!!

How are Local Nature Reserves declared?
Local Nature Reserve (or LNR) is a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, and amended by Schedule 11 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, by principal local authorities.

For further information go to the website...
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/lnr/declaration.aspx

2009-04-01T16:04:00.042Z

Another award!!!

It was back on March 3rd posting that we said we'd been shortlisted by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers for one of their 'specification' awards.
Well, we were shortlisted in the sustainability category...and...WE WON!

Our good friend and technical wizard Steve took us all the way to London to receive the award at a special lunch held in the historic 'Long Room' at Lords Cricket Ground in London (home of the famous Marylebone Cricket Club) founded in 1787, a very long time ago!

We had a very nice dinner and a little bit of wine to drink.

We got to see some amazing things. Steve took lots of pictures and we're posting them here for you to see.

Here is Steve (2nd from the right) collecting our certificate, Paul (from Lloyd Worrall the ironmongers) collecting the trophy with their name on and Lloyd Worrall with their certificate. The two presenters, ....are on the left and Jim Steve's boss is on the right.

We had a special treat on the way home and were allowed a drop of fizzy champagne in the very nice champagne bar at the St Pancras railway station that has been beautifully refurbished and was up for an award as well but only got 'commended'.

What a great day...Brix saw inside the museum and Morta got to see inside the media centre (by Architect's Future Systems) where all the journalists and commentators watch the games of cricket and do all the writing for the papers and all the talking for the radio. Thanks guys

LOL Brix & MortaXXX

2009-04-01T16:02:00.003Z

DID YOU SEE US ON GARDENERS WORLD?

More pictures to follow...

2009-03-24T23:24:00.006Z

SNOW SNOW quick quick SNOW Yes, we know it's a while since it snowed but we thought these pictures from back in February were worth putting up for everyone to see.

2009-03-19T23:57:00.012Z

A series of 4 lectures with four speakers each week held annually included us this year. Held in the really big lecture theatre in the Leslie Silver building at Leeds Metrpolitan University. Robin, Director of West & Machell did a great job introducing everyone and keeping us all on time.
Mike (on the left), Director of Buro Happold a really exciting company of engineers went first and talked about how new tools like computers make it possible to build things that would have been impossible not so long ago.
Katayoun (on the right)was next and showed us some of her lovely work recording light and lighting effects and buildings.
Cath (our architect second from the right) was next and showed how buildings use all of our senses when we experience places and spaces. Taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing all pay a part. She also showed how the roof at our school responds to the senses. Sunand (President of the Royal Institute of British Architects and second from the left) then finished the night off with showing the beauty of places all over the world.
We never knew just how different buildings and spaces could be. People say that our school is beautiful and delightful; they love the way it works and what it is able to do. There is just so much to learn if you want to understand what makes places beautiful.

Ian whose bright idea the 4x4 series is invited us to supper with lots of interesting folks. Speakers and other guests, we even had a piece of pizza.

2009-03-19T11:43:00.000Z

RICS PRO YORKSHIRE AWARDS

Sheffield STAR

Date: 18 March 2009
By Bob Rae

Three property schemes in Sheffield and a fourth from Doncaster have reached the short list of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' Pro Yorkshire Awards.
Sheffield University's award- winning Information Commons has been short-listed for the Design and Innovation Award, while Endcliffe Student Village is vying for the Regeneration Award.

Sharrow infant and junior school has been short-listed for the Community Benefit, Sustainability, Regeneration and Design and Innovation Award and Cusworth Hall and Park in Doncaster has been chosen for the Building Conservation Award.

Colin Harrop, Chairman of the RICS regional Board and chartered surveyor with King Sturge in Leeds, said: "We received strong support for this year's awards.

"In fact the Pro Yorkshire Awards attracted more entries than any of the other RICS regional property awards.

"All four of the projects short-listed in South Yorkshire are a credit to the region, and illustrate the important, skilful work that chartered surveyors and property professionals in the area have completed.

"Their inclusion in the short list puts South Yorkshire on the map as an area that offers world-class, innovative buildings, I wish them all the very best of luck."

2009-03-18T10:11:00.006Z

DON'T FORGET GARDENER'S WORLD ON FRIDAY

2009-03-10T23:25:00.005Z

GARDNER'S WORLD SPECIAL

bringing horticulture to the city streets

20th March we think...watch

or set your recorders now

2009-03-03T17:33:00.013Z

More AWARDS ???

Our School has been shortlisted by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers in the Sustainable Buildings category of their Specification Awards.

We won't find out if we've won until the 30th March when we've been invited to lunch at Lords Cricket Ground in London! WOW BRIX is a huge fan of sporty things and can't wait to see inside their museum. Personally I think it'll be cool to see their spaceship media centre!

We're also on the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) shortlist for their awards in May.

We really pushed the boat out here and entered in 4 categories and we have been shortlisted in all 4! Regeneration, Community Benefit, Sustainability and Design & Innovation.
We have to wait until a dinner at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on the 15th May to find out about this one!!!Definitely a new dress for Morta now!

2009-03-02T17:03:00.010Z

NOW LET'S GET THIS RIGHT...
We can't believe it! How manay awards is that? In reverse order (most recent at the top)... is that 8 awards!

Sheffield Design Awards
Neighbourhood and Community Design-Winner (Joint)
Best Building-Commendation

Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities (SCALA) Awards
Civic Building of the Year (Joint)

Royal Institute of British Architects White Rose Awards
Sustainable Futures Award-GOLD
White Rose Architecture Award-SILVER
Client of the Year Award

Care 4 Air Awards
Runner up

Sheffield Telegraph Environment Awards
Runner up-Design and Building category

At this rate Morta will need a new dress!!!

2009-02-25T13:39:00.002Z

LLOYD WORRAL-PAUL BELLAMY
MORE FRONT PAGE NEWS

Our school is on the front page of the 'Architectural Ironmongery journal'.

Do you know what 'ironmongery' is?

It's door handles and locks and lots of other complicated things to do with doors and windows (mostly) although it can include all sorts of other things like balustrades (thats the glass and metal posts that stop you falling off the balconies and stairs). Ironmongery is really complicated, you have to choose the right things to go together so they work right and they have to look the same and hopefully don't get in the way.

Paul from LLoyd Worrall was the man behind our ironmongery, we think he did a good job as we didn't have loads of money to spend.

Helen the 'editor' (the person who decides what goes in the magazine) thought Sharrow School was a good example to use to tell other people about ironmongery.

Double click on the pictures to open them up so you can read the text.

2009-02-18T10:36:00.004Z

Click link below to see full report on RIBA website.

http://www.architecture.com/RegionsAndInternational/
UKNationsAndRegions/England/RIBAYorkshire/Awards/SheffieldDesignAwards2009.aspx

2009-02-15T13:19:00.002Z

N E W S

2009-02-13T18:43:00.006Z

AWARDS JOY FOR BUILDINGS
From the STAR newspaper
Published Date: 13 February 2009
By Richard Marsden

Buildings around the city have been honoured at Sheffield Design Awards. Six entries had progressed to the final of the competition, run by Sheffield Civic Trust and the Royal Institute of British Architects Yorkshire. Joint winners of the Neighbourhood and Community Design Award were the new green-roofed Sharrow School at Sitwell Road, Sharrow, and Sterling Works, Arundel Street.

Best Building Award was given to Sheffield University's Information Commons, designed by RMJM architects. The new car park on the corner of Charles Street and Arundel Gate won the Citizen's Award.

2009-02-12T08:37:00.030Z

WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER

Well, well, well...
Our school was shortlisted for both of the categories in the Sheffield Design Awards. 'Best Building' and 'Neighbourhood and Community Design Award' .

We were 'commended' in the best building category with the Sheffield University Information Commons winning. If you remember we got a Silver Award behind them at the RIBA White Rose Awards in October. Ken Shuttleworth from MAKE architects (who used to work with famous architect Norman Foster), gave us our certificate.

But...

The judges thought our school was such a special place that...

Sharrow School, designed by Architects SD & PM (Sheffield Design & Project Management) and built by KIER Sheffield was WINNER in the community and neighbourhood design award. Awarded jointly with Sterling Works, designed by Tatlow Stancer Architects.

Cath (our Architect) went to get the certificate with Ella & Molly who kindly took us with them. So we look forward to seeing our picture everywhere!!! Morta wore her favourite
necklace and earrings because she doesn't get to go out often.
Look who was at the awards! Do you recognise Tom...our project manager. He has got married recently (congratulations Tom) and now works for Urban Splash who are working some magic on the old Park Hill, the flats near the Park Sq roundabout in the city centre. Tom say's hello to everyone.

Here's Ella & Molly with us. They weren't expecting to go up on stage but we weren't expecting to win! Thanks everyone for doing us such a great job. Andrew Chairman of the judging panel said some very nice 'architectural' things...

"Sharrow School
Sharrow School is the realisation of a profoundly inclusive design process. The principal frontage presents itself as cheerful and welcoming. Children can play in the sunny front garden, or learn in classrooms or planted balconies overlooking it, always aware of their immediate neighbourhood. The interior is progressive in dispensing with barriers wherever possible, creating a connected learning community. This building is an original, enthusiastic and honest expression of its social, educational and environmental agendas. "

2009-02-02T20:00:00.014Z

WOW FRONT PAGE NEWS!

We're on the front page of the magazine for SCALA (Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities). It goes to all the Local Authorities all over the country. We won joint first place in their national award and they have written a big article all about our school.

Follow this link to see the article on their website... http://www.scala.org.uk/ny09.pdf.

2009-01-29T02:08:00.009Z

A REALLY IMPORTANT VISITOR

Richard Simmons who is the Chief Executive Officer at CABE in London(Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) came to visit our school. He and his staff advise on how to design great buildings...and he'd heard that ours was one he should come and see for himself. So he came and looked round and spoke to Lyn and Evelyn and Cath our architect.

He was very impressed by all the work the school had done getting its ideas in the beginning and then sticking to them in the long time it took to get the new school designed and built.

He asked for what we thought was important for the design so we gave him some tips. We told him that it was important to know what you wanted, 'cos if you don't know, don't be surprised if you don't get it!!! Oh, and of course there should always be a job for construction buddies.

2009-01-16T12:35:00.004Z

Sheffield Design Awards 2009

February 11th is the day we find out...

There are now just six distinctive projects in the city in line to win either the Best Building Award or the Neighbourhood & Community Design Award.

Architectural firms and industry professionals entered the competition and a high profile judging panel - which included Nick Johnson, Deputy Chief Executive of Urban Splash and Corin Mellor, Creative Director of David Mellor Design – visited many of the entries before making their final selection.

It is the first year of the competition which is being run in partnership by Sheffield Civic Trust (SCT) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Yorkshire.

The six shortlisted projects are:
Butcher Works – A listed factory building converted to residential use by Race Cottam Associates

Information Commons – The new Sheffield University Learning Centre designed by RMJM.

No 1 North Bank – a speculative office building on the Wicker, designed by BDP Sheffield.

The Sharrow School – The new school with a green roof, facing Sharrow Park, designed by architects at Sheffield City Council.

Sterling Works – A listed factory converted into a mix of uses for Freeman College by Tatlow Stancer Architects.

Vestry Hall – A listed building converted into a community learning centre by Allen Tod Architecture.

Simon Gedye, Chair of Sheffield Civic Trust said:

"We were delighted to have so many high quality entries and the panel
deliberated long and hard about which projects were worthy of the shortlist.
Their final selection represents an excellent cross section of the great new
buildings that have been built in Sheffield as the city continues to be
transformed. "

Emma England, head of RIBA Yorkshire, said:

"Good building design plays a vital role in the creation of successful cities.
RIBA Yorkshire work hard to demonstrate the benefits of good architecture and
promote our member's work. We were very keen to work with the Sheffield Civic
Trust on the creation of this awards scheme as Sheffield has some of the best
contemporary architecture in the region. This is clearly evident from the
quality of projects on the shortlist."

The winners will be announced at the SCT Awards Ceremony in February 2009.

2009-01-14T13:50:00.007Z

FILM STARS....

Follow the link below to the video's of Lynne, Evelyn, Cath and David talking about our school and all the thinking and planning that led to it being built.

http://future.ncsl.org.uk/CaseList.aspx

2008-12-24T11:45:00.001Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T11:33:00.001Z

WE'RE IN PRINT!

The Society of Chief Architect's of Local Authorities has a year book and this is our page. Do you remember we won their Civic Building of the Year.

2008-12-08T18:18:00.004Z

Our school is on the new website GREEN ROOF NEWS

follow the link to see it all

http://www.greenroofstoday.co.uk/?page=article&type=news&id=12

2008-12-08T16:12:00.001Z

SIX examples of outstanding architecture have been shortlisted for the first Sheffield Design Awards.

That's us! Follow the link below to see the full article in the Yorkshire Post:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Awards-praise-new-buildings-for.4700352.jp

and this one from the Civic Trust:

http://www.civicsocieties.org.uk/news/awards-praise-new-buildings-for-transformation/

2008-11-15T12:59:00.009Z

Our School has made it onto the final shortlist for the Sheffield Design Awards...
The judges were marking the building for the qualities below:
Does the project make a positive contribution to the public realm?
How does it affect people's lives and does it participate in the life of this city?
Does the accommodation meet the requirements of its occupants?
Is the building's structure, whole-life cost, flexibility, adaptability and sustainability satisfactory?
Does the building please aesthetically? Is it beautiful? Will it be cherished by the community?
Does it use materials and energy wisely and responsibly?
Where appropriate, does the project take advantage of opportunities to innovate?

We have to wait until the awards night in February to find out the results...we don't know how we'll be able to wait that long!

2008-11-10T08:12:00.014Z

HOORAY
!!!CIVIC BUILDING OF THE YEAR!!!

Table 8 was lucky for us!

We got to sit in the middle of everyone. You can see Ian (SD & PM Project Management & Engineering Practice Manager) and Cath (Architect) behind us.

We had a chat with David who was in charge of the judging panel and who liked our school very much...he was telling Lynne & Evelyn all about what they said after the visits.

ANOTHER AWARD!!!

2008-11-10T07:44:00.015Z

We were kindly invited to the Presidential Dinner of SCALA (Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities)

(1) Waverley Court for the City of Edinburgh Council
(2) Sharrow Primary School for Sheffield City Council
(3) The Kenrick Centre for Birmingham City Council
(4) Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre for Wiltshire CC
(5) Nottingham Old Market Square for Nottingham City Council
(6) Pinewood Infant School for Hampshire County Council
(7) Manchester Civil Justice Centre for Dept. of Constitutional Affairs
(8) Short Wood Primary School for Telford & Wrekin Council
(9) The Tiled Hall & Library for Leeds City Council

We knew we were one of 3 finalists when the judges made a second visit to Sharrow School.
Alongside Pinewood Infant School by Hampshire County Architects http://www.hants.gov.uk/architecture/pinewood.html

The Manchester Civil Justice Centre by architects Denton Corker Marshall, £113million
http://www.mottmac.com/projects/?imageId=30081&id=30075

2008-11-03T15:50:00.005Z

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID...
about the building

Although shortlisted initially for a sustainability award, the experience of visiting Sharrow School, witnessing the building in use and hearing the testimonials of the staff inspired the judges to think beyond considerations of green credentials.
The building is a success born of the close collaboration of a committed and determined client and an equally determined architect. Whilst the architectural language was not to everybody’s taste, it was clear to all the judges that the real achievement of the building lay in its ability to provide a safe, stimulating and at times delightful environment for its young users. Lots of natural light, intimate outdoor areas, bio-diverse roof gardens and a simple well organized plan contribute to this positive environment.
This school is a triumph of the specific over the generic. An inspired Headteacher and her team have been able to bend some of the rules to create tailored teaching environments. These allowing the implementation of teaching practices developed by the Head intended to meet the particular needs of the school community, both pupils and staff. Furthermore, the school has benefited the wider community through its enhancement of the surrounding environment, in particular in relation to the adjacent park area.
Last and not least, the school makes laudable inroads into the sustainability agenda. Ground source heat pumps, underfloor heating, bio-diverse green roofs and rainwater harvesting serve to reduce environmental impact and promote a local ecology whilst providing an educational resource for the young pupils.

...about the landscape

The role of the landscape architect in the project was acknowledged by the judges. The collaboration between architect, landscape architect and artist has resulted in a building which connects exceptionally well both physically and visually with its surroundings. Rather than an afterthought, the setting of the building was considered integral to the design and contributes successfully to the scheme as a whole. The integration of green roof technology was applauded by the judges.

2008-10-30T01:05:00.004Z

MEDIA, PUBLICITY, NEWS, ETC...

Media pages on the University of Sheffield website are talking about our school!

Sharrow School in Sheffield, won "client of the year" and "sustainable futures" categories and also picked up a silver White Rose Award for Architecture. Sharrow School´s green roof, which is one of its sustainable features, was designed by Dr Nigel Dunnett from the University of Sheffield´s Department of
Landscape.

Dr Nigel Dunnett, a Reader in Urban Horticulture at the University of Sheffield, said: "It was a pleasure to be involved with the Sharrow School project and I am thrilled that they have won so many awards. By creating the urban nature reserve
we have provided an area that students and staff can use for all kinds of educational activities, as well as providing an attractive green space for the development. The living roof we created, and others like them, are essential for achieving sustainable development and I hope more developers follow Sharrow
School´s excellent lead and invest in landscape architecture of this type."Dr Nigel Dunnett, a Reader in Urban Horticulture at the University of Sheffield, said: "It was a pleasure to be involved with the Sharrow School project and I am thrilled that they have won so many awards. By creating the urban nature reserve we have provided an area that students and staff can use for all kinds of educational activities, as well as providing an attractive green space for the development. The living roof we created, and others like them, are essential for achieving sustainable development and I hope more developers follow Sharrow School´s excellent lead and invest in landscape architecture of this type."
Follow the link for the rest of the article.

http://shef.ac.uk/mediacentre/2008/1102.html

2008-10-29T22:58:00.001Z

Our news is out there, follow this link to one of our supporters.

http://twotwolife.blogspot.com/2008/10/sheffield-projects-dominated-riba.html

2008-10-27T14:54:00.009Z

25TH OCTOBER 2008
NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS
YORKSHIRE POST
click on article to read larger version

SHEFFIELD STAR
click on article to read larger version

2008-10-26T21:19:00.012Z

WOW WOW WOW

3 A W A R D S !!!

White Rose Sustainable Futures Award

White Rose Client of the Year

White Rose Award for Architecture-Silver

The school was shortlisted in 2 categories 'Landscape' and 'Sustainable Futures'. We won the SUSTAINABLE FUTURES AWARD but sadly didn't make it in the Landscape category.

BUT...

The judges were so impressed on their visit to the school that even though they didn't shortlist it in the 'WHITE ROSE ARCHITECTURE' award they decided it had to be in with a chance and we actually got the SILVER AWARD, only beaten into second place by the Sheffield University Information Commons building by RMJM architects from London. The judges also gave special recognition to the work of the client and the productive relationship with the Architect and awarded CLIENT OF THE YEAR to the school. We had our photo taken with folks for the Landscape Institute magazine because even though we didn't win folks think the landscape on and around our school is very newsworthy.
Most of the team, what a shame Tom couldn't make it, we'd have loved to have been able to celebrate with him as well.

See the article in Saturdays Sheffield STAR http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Architecure-awards-for-school-and.4627015.jp#comments

2008-10-26T20:51:00.009Z

AT THE AWARDS

We got to meet the 'Bard of Barnsley' Ian McMillan who was the host for the evening, he is amazing and so funny and he hears everything and can remember it and make ordinary things very funny. See his website for further laughs...http://www.uktouring.org.uk/ian-mcmillan/ We thought the Town Hall was a spectacular place and the dinner was nice. Can you see the beautiful ceiling. We sat on a table with Lynne, Evelyn, Cath, Dick, Helen and Jim (Practice Manager for SD & PM), and Kevin from Kier Sheffield.

2008-10-26T13:03:00.019Z

On the way to the RIBA awards

at Leeds Town Hall

The team had a special surprise to say thanks for all their hard work...a limo to take them to the ceremony. Helen (shortlisted for the Landscape Award), Kath, Steve, Jo, Mick, Cath (shortlisted for the Sustainable Futures award) and Dick. Shortlisted in two categories was reason enough to celebrate, fingers crossed we'll win something. A limo (short for limousine) is a really long car, that can fit eight people in and us! It's so long it's really difficult to go round corners! Can you see the ceiling? It has sparkly lights like the quiet room ceiling at school and they change colour just like the carpet in the nursery!!! We thought they were dead cool. We had to dress up, it was a posh do. I had a to find a colloar and tie and morta wore a necklace and some lovely earrings with a green shawl. The girls all dressed up, don't they look great? The guys scrubbed up pretty well too.

2008-10-21T21:39:00.021Z

AWARDS NIGHT... on Friday

Friday night is when we get to see if our school has been recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The school is shortlisted in the Sustainable Futures category and also Landscape. We're keeping our fingers crossed that everyones hardwork has made a difference. We'll keep you posted as it happens...

South Yorkshire is leading the way in this year's RIBA Yorkshire White rose architecture awards. Ten of the 15 short listed projects are in South Yorkshire.What's more, Sheffield firms or organisations created nine of the designs.
The awards, presented by the Royal Institute of British Architects, reward high standards of design in buildings and public spaces and, for the first time, include awards for landscape design and sustainable
architecture.

Shortlisted South Yorkshire projects include: Sheffield University's Information Commons, Sorby House in Burngreave, Barnsley Transport Interchange, Hillsborough Park Pavilion, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, a housing association development in Henley Rise, Rotherham, Sharrow School and a private house, both in Sheffield.
Both the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and Sharrow School have been short listed for two awards – the AMRC, for the top White Rose Awards for Architecture and the Sustainable Futures Award, where it is up against Sharrow School, which has also been short listed for the Landscape Award.Sheffield architects involved in short listed projects include Bond Bryan –three short listed projects - Jefferson Sheard, Prue Chiles and Houghton Budd.
Sheffield City Council's Design and Project Management Department has one project short listed for two awards and South Yorkshire Housing Association, whose headquarters is in Sheffield, is the last organisation with a short listed project.Winners will be announced at the RIBA
Yorkshire Awards Dinner on Friday October 24, hosted by Barnsley poet and broadcaster, Ian McMillan.
Latest photos, sunflowers grown by our school friends and the pretty seeds that have grown up on the main roof

2008-10-14T23:30:00.003Z

WHAT A WEEK THIS WEEK

We have 3 lots of awards judges visiting this week. The Royal Institute of British Architects are making a second visit this week before their awards ceremony on the 24th October, the Society of Chief Architect's of Local Authorities are also making a repeat visit to try and make up their mind about the Civic Building of the Year and then the Civic Trust in Sheffield are visiting to look at the Sheffield Civic Trust Awards.

Keep your fingers crossed that all the hard work that folks put into the new school will be recognised.
Good Luck B & M

2008-10-14T22:32:00.006Z

WE LOVE LEARNING NEW THINGS...

We were allowed to go to the recent teachers learning day. Russell (on the left in the orange braces) came to show us all how all sorts of technology (computers, playstation, dance mats, DS lites and other stuff) can help us get better at learning.

We took part in a camel race. The camels went faster if we got things right. We didn't win but it was fun!!!

We also did a quiz on teh dance mat.

Morta had some wickd moves on the mat, and also leant some things at the same time.

There were some text key pads that could translate txtspk into proper english. Wkd or wot!

As well all that Nathan had brought a radio station. Just like the real thing. We got to talk into the microphone 'live' and Nathan worked the mixing desk that controls all the music and jingles just like on the radio. Folks thought it was really different and interesting.

What a lot there is to learn.

cu soon Brix and Morta

2008-10-13T23:22:00.001Z

We've picked up an award!!!

We got to go to a posh dinner at the Millenium Galleries in Sheffield with the other shortlisted people who have been making the air cleaner and better in South Yorkshire.

We came second, City School beat us, but they have been working very hard for a long time so we don't mind that they won.

The ITV weatherman who presented the prizes has invited us to go to the studio to help with the weather. Watch this space! \we may be going on another mission soon!

2008-09-26T19:07:00.035Z

WORLD GREEN ROOF CONGRESS

SEPTEMBER 17TH & 18TH

The conference was held at the offices of Allen & Overy in., the big glass building behind the rather nice tent.Can you see us? We sat on the podium while Cath told the audience of about 150 people all about how we managed to do our roof.

We had a very nice comfy seat and could see everything.
The conference handbook told you all about everyone who was going to speak and what they were speaking about.

All the 'delegates' (that's fancy speak for the people who paid to go and listen), got a special bag that had lots of information and things in it. The front pocket was very handy for us!We were pleased to be able to have a chat with Peter (Peter C. Lowitt, Chairman of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, North America). they have lots of green roofs there.

We were also pleased to spend some time on the exhibitors stand with the Environment Agency. They are 'the Environment Agency. It's our job to look after your environment and make it a better place - for you, and for future generations.We are the Environment Agency. It's our job to look after your environment and make it a better place - for you, and for future generations.'

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/444304/502508/1506471/1506565/1506766/?lang=_e
We got cake as well as conversation!

London is full of weird and wonderful buildings...we thought we'd better take the opportunity to go look at some of them...

This funny shaped glass one in the background is called 'The Gherkin' can you guess why?

(google images)

The building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Lord Foster and ex-partner Ken Shuttleworth and Arup engineers, and was constructed
by Skanska of Sweden between 2001 and 2004. However, despite Foster taking complete credit for the design, industry insiders[citation needed] advise that Shuttleworth, who later founded his own design studio, MAKE, was the primary source of the radical and innovative design of the structure. (wikipedia)

We also saw this building by another famous architect...Richard Rogers.(wikipedia image)

The Lloyd's Building (with 'The Gherkin' in the background) is the home of the insurance institution Lloyd's of London, and is located at One Lime Street, in the City of London, England.
It was designed by architect Richard Rogers and built between 1978 and 1986. Bovis were the management contractor for the scheme.[1] Like the Pompidou Centre (designed by Renzo Piano and Rogers), the building was innovative in having its services such as staircases, lifts, electrical power conduits and water pipes on the outside, leaving an uncluttered space inside. The twelve glass lifts were the first of their kind in the UK .(wikipedia)

After those big buildings we also got to visit the house of Justin of Bere Architect's. The house is called 'The Muse' and it has got 3 different green roofs and also a garden on the first floor like our terraces. The house has a swimming pool (a long narrow one), we don't have one of those. See link for more information.

http://www.bere.co.uk/

2008-09-12T14:51:00.005Z

NEXT WEEK WE'RE GOING

TO THE

'WORLD GREEN ROOF CONGRESS'

We've written a paper ('...an essay or dissertation read at a seminar or published in a journal.') with Cath (the architect) titled...

'A BIO DIVERSE EDUCATION-a voluntary endeavour'

People are coming to the conference in London from all over the world and they will hear about our roof!!! Follow the link below to find out more about it.

http://www.worldgreenroofcongress.com/index.html

AMAZING

2008-08-21T21:34:00.002Z

Nearly 14 ooo people have looked at our U-Tube video of putting up the crane for the construction of the new school!

Follow the link below if you'd like to have a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcyqdDrOtnQ

2008-08-21T18:14:00.000Z

If you are just visiting to find out information about specific topics then if you click the links below they will take you to all the postings that mention that topic... for a general browse postings are in reverse date order, latest at the top.
Ground source/underfloor heating
http://sharrowconstructionbuddies.blogspot.com/search?q=heating
green roof
http://sharrowconstructionbuddies.blogspot.com/search?q=green+roof
airtightness
http://sharrowconstructionbuddies.blogspot.com/search?q=airtightness
atrium
http://sharrowconstructionbuddies.blogspot.com/search?q=atrium

Sorry some of the links to our photos have been lost by GOOGLE but we are working through putting them back...it's just taking a while as they're are lots of them!

LOOK AT THIS!

2008-08-19T17:14:00.004Z

Hmmm...how do you take a picture from all the way up here?

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

2008-08-17T18:36:00.025Z

PLEASE NOMINATE US...

CLOSING DATE: August 29th 2008

We think we have a fabulous new school, it's not just us. Everyone who visits tells us as well. How on earth did we do it they ask?

Well it took years of research and planning and loads of hard work from lots of people.

We'd like to believe you all think it was worth it.

THE SHEFFIELD CIVIC TRUST CITIZEN'S AWARD

CLOSING DATE: August 29th 2008

"The Citizen's Award has been chosen to give residents of Sheffield a direct
voice in nominating their favourite new or refurbished building. This could
be a major city centre building, or a smaller building in the wider city
that you feel should be recognised for the quality of its design and what
the building brings to the local environment.
Nominations can be for a public building or facility that you use and enjoy, or for any building that you feel is worthy of note or celebration. "

Rules of Entry

1. Buildings must have been completed between 30 June 2005 and 30 June 2008 and must have been opened and be occupied by the end-user by 30 June 2008.

2. All schemes must be within the Sheffield City boundary.

3. The Citizen's Award can be nominated by any resident of Sheffield whose postal address is within the Sheffield City boundary.

4. Only one vote per individual resident will be allowed.

5. The winning building will be determined by majority vote only. Commendations may be awarded for other buildings that receive substantial votes.

6. The permission of the building owner and/or occupier to be nominated is not necessary, prior to submission.

7. All entries must be submitted on the official entry form no later than 4.00pm on Monday 29th September 2008.

Entry letter requirements-just copy by hand or cut and paste on your computer (we've included the details you may not have). You can just put it in a letter and send it in or Or by Email To: awards@sheffieldcivictrust.org.uk

Name Of Nominee (the person making the nomination)-that's you

Address Of Nominee:-where you live

Contact Telephone Number and/or Email Address:-how can you be reached

Name Of Building Nominated:Sharrow School

Address Of Building Nominated:Sitwell Road, Sheffield, S7 1BE

Reason For Nomination:
To validate the entry please write a short
description of the building you are nominating, and include some reasons why you think it is worthy of note and consideration for the SCT Citizens
Design Award (50 words maximum).

If you are a pupil or parent yiou could mention what a difference the new building has made to you...some children say "it's like being on holiday..." and they don't want to go home! Parents say it is much more "welcoming and inviting".

It has special heating from under the ground and toilets flushed by rainwater and lots of other things to make it environmentally friendly. "It has a special bio diverse roof to help the birds and butterflies find food and a home."

"The new school is a vision of the future, it has transformed teaching and learning and the behaviour of all those that work or attend school here."

SAY WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU.

Please remember that this award will be made by majority vote only
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO:
Sheffield Civic Trust Citizen's Award
c/o RIBA Yorkshire
The Green Sand Foundry
99 Water Lane
Leeds
LS11 5QN
Or by Email To:
awards@sheffieldcivictrust.org.uk

Or you could Click on the link below to go to the nomination form

http://www.sheffieldcivictrust.org.uk/Downloads/SCT%202008%20Awards%20Entry%20Form-Citizens%20Award.pdf

CLOSING DATE: August 29th 2008

RIBA/WHITE ROSE AWARD JUDGING VISIT 6TH AUGUST

2008-08-16T14:18:00.005Z

L-R Helen (our Landscape Architect), Richard, Tom, Ian, John and then Rachel (Yorkshire Region RIBA)

The sun shone!!! HOORAY

We were able to show folks around the school grounds and inside and there was lovely sunshine and it wasn't even windy up on the roof where this photograph was taken.

The judges were impressed that the Helen and the Architect (Cath) actually worked closely together as apparently that doesn't happen very often anymore in local government. Helen and Cath can't think how else you get the best out of the budget unless you all work together.

We'll keep our fingers crossed that they were impressed. Thanks to everyone who made sure it looked lovely.

2008-08-06T12:04:00.004Z

TODAY IS THE DAY!

The White Rose/RIBA Landscape Award judging panel are coming to visit. We hope they like what they see and don't get rained on! Do you remember what it used to be like?

2008-08-06T11:59:00.004Z

Gardeners World on August 15th

Is apparently including something about green roofs/Nigel Dunnett/Sharrow School.

Don't miss it!

2008-07-11T17:15:00.003Z

SHARROW FESTIVAL
SATURDAY 12th July

Come and see just how fabulous our roof is now...20p and you can come up and use our binoculars to find your house.

2008-07-11T16:49:00.017Z

WE'VE BEEN SHORTLISTED!

The judges came to visit on Thurday 10th July...there were lots of them! They came and talked to us and asked all about the school and how it was built and what it was made of.

They seemed to smile a lot. They even stayed to eat their lunch in our staffroom because they thought it was so great!

Here they all are... L-R back row in picture - Ken of Ibstock, Julian of Marsh &Grochowski, Christopher of Project Orange, Richard of Sheffield CIQ, Mark of HodsonArchitects, Roger of Broughton Hall.L-R front row - Rachel & Emma of RIBA Yorkshire

2008-07-07T13:00:00.009Z

We've had visitors!

The BBC have heard about our roof and thought it was so brilliant that they wanted to come and film so Sharrow School can be in their next series in the new year. Wicked or what!
Lynne is getting used to being a celebrity on behalf of you all. We sat and waited for our interview...can you see us? Kerry (the interviewer) said they'd send us a CD so we can put it on the BLOG.
The cameraman thought the school looked brilliant from the end of the park and that's where they decided to do the interviews.

The interviewer insisted on asking Cath (the architect) some questions as well. Then we were interviewed. Kerry said they would send a video of us so that we can put it on the BLOG. The programme is going to be on the telly in the new year. We'll keep an eye out for it.

The whole crew thought the school was lovely and that we are all very lucky to have such a nice place to work. Their offices at the BBC in London aren't as nice. Kerry particularly liked the nice staffroom.

2008-06-18T17:03:00.007Z

FUTURELAB ...have been talking about our school:

lt's all about vision: building PRIMARY schools for the future...

"Sharrow School, an acclaimed new-build in Sheffield that amalgamated former primary and nursery schools, took five years to emerge and incorporated a great deal of consultation and stakeholder engagement. Headteacher Lynne Ley says, “We tend to be very tunnel-visioned. We get into our classrooms and something takes over us. It’s really hard to shift your thinking, and I welcomed views from all the people who were party to the discussion of what a new school should offer. That was crucial in developing my thinking. You have to think about what teaching and learning will look like in the future. Think of how much it has changed in the last five years alone in terms of technology. I knew we had to link teaching and learning so much more to the development of ICT.”

Who are we and what we do
Futurelab is passionate about transforming the way people learn. Tapping into the huge potential offered by digital and other technologies, we develop innovative resources and practices that support new approaches to learning for the 21st century. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with others to:
incubate new ideas, taking them from the lab to the classroom
share hard evidence and practical advice to support the design and use of innovative learning tools
communicate the latest thinking and practice in educational ICT
provide the space for experimentation and the exchange of ideas between the creative, technology and education sectors.

http://www.futurelab.org.uk/resources/publications_reports_articles/vision_magazine/
VISION_Article1025

2008-04-09T12:39:00.002Z

We have a new job! We're helping with literacy...that's reading and writing to you and me.

We have a new blog site as you can see below and you can click on the link under the photo or follow the link in the sidebar. We get to go home with different folk and to do lots of different things and to go to places we've never seen before.

Where will we go next I wonder?

http://www.brixandmorta.blogspot.com/

2008-03-18T22:03:00.000Z

We've been asked back to LONDON...

We obviously did such a good job last time that we've been asked back to a much bigger conference in May! We're also hoping to have an official photographer come and take some lovely photos so we can show everyone. Oh...and our main roof is going to be planted/seeded soon so there'll be more photos and information to show you.

See you then.

LOL Brix & Morta

2008-03-09T17:07:00.004Z

If you would like more information following the recent conference...

Lyn & Evelyn (Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher) from the school can be reached at:
info@sharrow.sheffield.sch.uk
Cath (Architect) can be contacted through the Sharrow Construction Buddies at:
brixandmorta@hotmail.co.uk

2008-03-08T22:01:00.016Z

We've been to London...

The NATIONAL COLLEGE OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP thinks Sharrow School is such a great example of what new schools should be that we were invited to run a workshop on 'Visioning for a better future'.

Of course Lynne (headteacher), Evelyn (Deputy Headteacher) and Cath (Architect) had to come as well!

We had a fabulous journey on a train...we've never been on one of those before! We went from Sheffield Station all 180miles to St Pancras Station in London.

Before we came home we had a chocolate muffin!

2008-02-29T21:42:00.005Z

We're on the web...againIf you go to the ECO heat pumps website you can follow the casestudy link and see all about our project... but we've copied it here if you can read the very small print! If not follow the link below:

http://www.ecoheatpumps.co.uk/school_heat_pumps.htm#1

2008-01-24T21:20:00.000Z

IT'S OFFICAL...IT'S IN THE STAR!

We forgot to tell you...The STAR came to visit school in December. They took lots of pictures and spoke to our staff and pupil friends. You can follow this link to read the article; http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Sheffield39s-latest-school-a-big.3615635.jp.

and to see more pictures in their slide show;

http://www.thestar.co.uk/video.aspx?VideoPath=SHEF/sharrow.wmv&VideoID=11049&ArticleID=3615635

2008-01-02T17:55:00.000Z

IT'S CHRISTMAS
We were really looking forward to having a BIG Christmas tree this year...we even bought pink decorations for it and were going to put it in front of the pink lift shaft!!!

Sadly, there was nowhere near to plug in the lights! So we had to make do with one near the library and shorter than we'd hoped for.

Here it is...

We're sad to say that the completion of the school means that we are now out of a job although we have been allowed to work at the new reception desk welcoming visitors to school. We have heard that there is going to be a new community hub building on part of the old junior school on South View Road. Perhpas we will be able to go and work on that? We'll have to ask around.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

2007-12-01T16:35:00.001Z

TOM'S LEAVING
'WEDDING'

Sadly, Tom (our Project Manager), is leaving, he is going to work for the people who are going to refurbish/regenerate Park Hill flats 'URBAN SPLASH'. He had a 'special' leaving party where he was 'married' to his new employer and we were among the invited guests! .

Here is Tom with Steve the vicar.

...and with Tracey and Lisa his bridesmaids.

Everyone had flowers including us.

...and we had our photo taken with Tom for the last time.

We took Tom a present, Pevsners book on the architecture in sheffield. We hope he reads it.

Good Luck in your new job.

LOL Brix and Morta

2007-11-29T12:21:00.000Z

TOM IS LEAVING!

Tom who has been the Project Manager for the Sharrow School is leaving tomorrow to go and work with Urban Splash on the redevelopment of Park Hill.

We will miss him.

GOOD LUCK TOM
LOL Brix and Morta XXX

2007-11-28T21:55:00.000Z

PROBLEMS...
Google have a problem with BLOGGER!!!

Our pictures don't load, unless that is, you go back to February.

They are trying to sort it all out but you'll have to bear with us (no pun intended).

Brix & MortaXXX

2007-11-20T21:16:00.001Z

Slideshow...

Look in the sidebar on the right hand side to see a couple of slideshows that we've added so folks can see some of the photos we havene't had space to put on the BLOG postings...

2007-11-06T21:00:00.001Z

NEW PICTURES FROM HSBC FOLKS
7th October 2007
Planting the first floor teaching terrace...with nearly 700 plants!!!

Weeding out some of the spontaneous arrivals.

Wow look at the difference

LOOK AT THIS!
£14,723.05

Thanks to our friends at HSBC for all their help and their contribution to the roof and terrace planting and features.

7th August 2007 4 tons of substrate had to be carried up to the terrace by hand!!!
'Creature Towers/wildlife apartments' take shape (they're more than just bird tables, honest)

Special visitors Gordon & Hilary Giltrap get a special tour with Barrie.

A job well done.

19th March 2007

In the beginning...

We need a lie down...!

Cath (SD & PM architect) and Mark (KIER) gave everyone a look round the rest of the job so they could hear about and see the rest of the eco portfolio that the building uses.

A great piece of teamwork.

17th March 2007

The first brave volunteers arrive for induction.

2007-11-01T10:38:00.000Z

CIBSE conference
(Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers)

Well, here we are in London at the headquarters of the Institute of Building Services Engineers (do you remember what they do from earlier blogs?).
We were introduced to the audience of about 40 folks from interesting places and we helped Cath tell them about the roof on Sharrow School.
Steve from The Environmental Protection Group used Sheffield's Norfolk Community Primary School in his talk...so Sheffield was really on the map!
We got to meet some really interesting poeple who knew a lot about some interesting things, like plants, drainage, green roofs and other stuff. We had our picture taken with Cath and Steve (on the left) who has written a special guide called 'Building Greener' and Dusty on (the right) who knows everything about green roofs and is a juggling coach! Do you remember we met Dusty in 2006 at the Green roof conference in Sheffield before Sharrow even started.

What a long time ago.

2007-10-26T15:35:00.000Z

Gordon Giltrap

came to play at our school!!!WOW...we had a surprise concert in the atrium and in the sparkly room in the nursery!

Gordon Giltrap who played at the City Hall on Thursday evening had asked to come and visit our school today. He brought his guitar and played some of his music in the atrium.
It was dinner time and lots of children (and staff) came to watch and listen.

We sat on the reception desk to listen.
Gordon played: Maddie goes west, Dublin Day, Heartsong and Lucifers Cage. Afterwards he signed autographs and someone printed out some information about him from the internet. You can find out more about his music if you follow this link to his website.

http://www.giltrap.co.uk/

2007-10-24T12:23:00.000Z

We've had a busy weekend...We went along on Saturday to help plant over 600 plants on the bio-diverse teaching terrace.

Here we are sniffing the 'Thymus pseudoanuginosus' before it is planted!
.

Nigel (Sheff Uni), Jeff (from the Green Roof Centre) and Anita (HSBC) made sure we knew what was going where.

Pete, Peter, Gavin, Wendy, Barrie, Geoff and Cath then helped to carry all the plants up to the terrace, take the weeds out and plant all the plants. You can hardly see some of the plants as they are just a few sticks (apparently they'll grow next year) but some were more than a metre tall!
There was a big list of special plants that like dry soils, they should like it in the bio-roof substrate that is on the terrace. Things like Achillea 'Walter Funcke', Kniphofia 'Nancy's Red' and Stachys byzantia 'Big Ears'. Plants do have funny names, apparently they are 'Latin' (a very old language).

It looks very different now and we hope folks like it. A bit of rain would be good to give all the plants a good drink. Keep your fingers crossed for lots of flowers and interesting wildlife in the next year.

2007-10-23T16:20:00.000Z

The BLOG is 2 years old so we've had a drink to celebrate!HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-10-22T12:10:00.000Z

SHARROW SCHOOL gets award

The Sharrow School construction partnership were recognised for their environmental committment at a ceremony held at Magna last Wednesday evening. Cath the Architect from Sheffield Design & Project Management went with David from KIER SHEFFIELD to receive the finalist (runner-up) award from the sponsors of the Design Build category Halliwells alongside Paul Hudson (the LOOK NORTH weatherman) see below.

Our table, Kevin stands up to be helpful as usual...

'Sheffield's new Sharrow School, which opened this summer, claims to be the greenest school in the UK.With its radical bio diverse roof and ground source heat pump, it is setting the standard for schools in the future.Construction at Sharrow has been undertaken by Kier Sheffield but the project has been a hugely successful partnership alongside Sheffield City Council, the University of Sheffield's Green Roof Centre, Eco Heat Pumps and others..Mark Peat, head of capacity, planning and development for the council, said: "This innovative project would not have possible had it not been for the vision and commitment of the partnership. Over time, I look forward to seeing it add value to the learning experience of the pupils.''Kevin Taylor, construction manager for Kier Sheffield, said: "The use of innovative features will make the school a modern and incredible place to learn.''Previously split between two sites, infant and junior, pupils and staff are now all together in the new building, together with a new nursery facility.'

Photos and text courtesy of Sheffield Telegraph website, see link below for further information

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/CustomPages/CustomPage.aspx?pageid=70054

2007-10-17T08:15:00.000Z

HSBC
will be back again this weekend...

Those folks at the bank must really love us! They just keep coming back to help with things! The plants for the teaching terrace on the first floor will be arriving soon and they will be planted on October 20th. Hopefully the seeding of the main roof by folks at the Green Roof Centre will also take place shortly after that and the greening of the stormwater planter as well.

We're so excited to see what it will be like!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-12T12:37:00.000Z

WE HAVE SOME FAB NEW ROOMS...
This is a typical classroom double class base with lots of light from the big window, a long worktop where the sinks are and round the corner is a quiet area a little bit away from the main space. We also have our own toilets in each classbase and a store cupboard for storing things.

This is the top floor of the staircase in the atrium. We can see all around it and it lets the light down into the middle of the school.

Can you guess what room this is? It is the studio...for music, drama, physiotherapy and anything else you can think of! It has some floor to ceiling mirrors, lots of cupboards (some of them for you to sit on) and special acoustics (designed for making a noise).

This time we even had a bit of money saved so that all the school's hard working staff have a nice new staff room. It has a place to work, somewhere for sitting and a nice kitchen area.

2007-10-05T02:28:00.000Z

WE'RE FAMOUS

We have been invited to London by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers to a conference on Green Roofs at the Society of Chemical Industry Headquaters. We are to present a case study (that just means the story) because they have heard about the special roof that Sharrow School has and they want to know more about it.

Our friend Jeff from the Sheffield Green Roof Centre was originally going to do it but thought we were more involved with the project!

I think we might just have to ask Cath (the Architect) along with us so she can help us get around! If you follow the link below you can find out more about the conference.

http://www.cibse.org/index.cfm?go=events.view&item=3019

2007-10-02T21:11:00.000Z

THANK YOU...

Cath (the Architect) got a beautiful batik picture that had been made by the children. What gorgeous colours.

2007-10-01T12:00:00.000Z

WHEN IT'S QUIET...
...you can see how lovely it is. Can you see us on the counter?

2007-09-30T07:40:00.000Z

WHAT'S THE INSIDE LIKE? Above is the beautiful reception desk designed and made by the artist Andrew Skelton. If you can remember from earlier postings, it is recycled!!! The limewashed (white coloured) timber it is made of was saved from the big 'glulam' beams that held up the roof of the hall in the old infants school.

The desk is lovely and curvy and different heights and everyone loves to lean on it and stroke it and little children love to push their faces into the pink recesses. Andrew has also made a 'wiggly' seat in the atrium and the reception desk 'wiggles' through the entrance lobby and becomes a seat outside as well.

Lynne the Headteacher gave the construction team presents, Tom gave a speech saying thank you to all the folks who had helped make the school so special and Richard the labourer from KIER who has been on site everyday being really really helpful (and is still smiling), got a special thankyou.
There were lots of flowers. All sorts of folks had sent cards and flowers, saying thank you to the team for their hard work and wishing all of us the very best in our 'wonderful', 'beautiful' 'lovely' new school. The 'touchdown shelf' was a good place to display them all. Can you see the big screen monitor on the wall? This can be linked to a laptop and show anything so folks in the waiting area can see what we have been doing.
The atrium is also the home of the library, so vistors can look at a book while they wait on the wiggly seat. The library has a special curved seat/screen designed by Kath that screens off the quiet part of the library for working.

2007-09-29T11:41:00.001Z

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL...

Our new school is in use as the autumn term has now started and we get to arrive at school through the park!!! So parents and children get to walk through the Mount Pleasant Park on their way to school and on the way home, we get to see the trees and birds instead of traffic, noise and pollution and we can use the playground before school (if we're early) and after if we've been good.

This is how you see the school if you come into the park from Mount Pleasant Road and follow the path.

Our new school is in use as the autumn term has now started and we get to arrive at school through the park!!! So parents and children get to walk through the Mount Pleasant Park on their way to school and on the way home, we get to see the trees and birds instead of traffic, noise and pollution and we can use the playground before school (if we're early) and after if we've been good.

This is the view of the school that you get if you come into the Park from the Vincent Road/Sitwell Road side and follow the path.

As you arrive you can see the Nursery playground and entrance down to the right, you get to go down the ramp to get there. This is where you go through the brill gates that andrew Skelton made. The entrance to the nursery is through the main gate and then through the nursery gate on the right. Yes, we know there are several gates to go through to get to the nursery but, there is lots of space and the ramp is wide and all the gates are there to make it safer for the nursery children.
When you've gone through the gate you can go straight ahead and under the canopy (the wooden/glass thing you walk under) and through the SWISH...SWISH (automatic) doors into the wonderful reception area. Did you recognise Kath (our interiors technologist) in the picture above?

2007-09-08T20:31:00.000Z

BACK 2 SKOOL...

Hooray...the builders have moved outWOW...look at that blue sky!

You couldn't have asked for better weather on this the first day that people could come and visit the school. Term starts proper on Monday but Friday afternoon was an opportunity for parents and children, grandparents, friends and other folks who were just a bit nosy, to come and look inside the new school and see what has been happening behind the site fence!

Evelyn talks to a parent in the atrium.

Ben (the architectural year out student) offically opens the toy store that he designed, in the nursery playground. It's really clever because the gates fold in hald and fold back so that the store can be used as a shelter to play in as well. See the movie of how the gates work.

2007-09-07T00:20:00.000Z

THINK PINK...!!!

Open afternoon 1.30-4.30pm Friday September 7th

2007-09-05T22:18:00.000Z

HSBC have been at it again!

This is one of the creature towers, (a bit like a bird table but meant for insects and birds)that they built when some more enthusiastic HSBC folks came to help put substrate on two areas that will have biodiverse planting, the south side first floor teaching terrace and the roof of the school office next to the front door. Unfortunately these can't be planted just yet as it could be too dry for them and so the plants will come soon. Honest!

The special planting is being designed by Nigel Dunnett of Sheffield University Landscape Department and will be co-ordinated by Jeff Sorill from the Green Roof Centre (newly set up in Sheffield). HSBC have given the project a grant that will help to plant this area and also seeding on the main roof.

Nature has been doing it's best to colonise the main roof in advance of the intended seeding...we have some lovely 'weeds'....NO a biodiverse roof doesn't have weeds just natural colonisation! The wildlife seem to like it, we have seen earwigs, ladybirds, bees and birds on the roof and there are some lovely flowers but we don't know their names. It has changed a lot since the bare photos in the March BLOG postings about the roof.

2007-09-05T22:10:00.000Z

SCREEDING...

Yes we know this is a bit late and was taken in April but we thought you should still see it!
This is a peculiar job...

I bet you're wondering what the heck a screed is? It is the final smooth material that is put over the structural floor before the floor finish (carpet/lino etc.) is laid. You have to wade around in a big sloppy puddle with a special kind of rake with no prongs that you 'tamp' the screed with to get all the air bubbles out. This picture shows the floor being done in the hall and of course our screed is on top of the underfloor heating pipes if you remember.

2007-08-31T16:55:00.000Z

AIRTIGHTNESS...
a breath of fresh air or just a bag of wind?

Apparently buildings are very leaky. No, not water but air. The problem appears to be that if you want your building to be warm when it is cold you don't want to heat up lots of air that just escapes out of all the holes.
Some of the holes are so tiny that you can hardly see them but there might be lots of them (buildings are made of thousands of bits that go together...so it's bound to be a bit difficult to seal it all up).

So buildings are now 'airtested' to see if they meet the standard. so big fans are put in the doorways and taped up and then they pressurise the building and then sensors monitor the pressure at points all over the building and from the readings on the sensors and the speed of the fans you can work out how much air is leaking out.
You have to do lots of sums to work out how much surface area the building has, how much air is leaking out and then how much air leaks outs in cubic meters for every square metre of area each hour at a special pressure of 50 Pascals.

To pass the test the building must get lower than 10. Weird...it's actually better to get a lower score!

We helped take the readings. Each test took 30 minutes. Watch the video to see how windy it was.

2007-08-30T10:44:00.000Z

Hmmm...did you guess what these were?

Below you can see are all the paving slabs that make up part of the ground level playground. They go on the roof of the nursery/reception classes below.

So that there isn't a step at the classroom doors (so that it's easy to get from inside to outside) the slabs are put on these special 'legs' that wind up and down to get the height just right.

There is a big space under the slabs and this is where all the water goes when it rains.

We stayed around for a while watching the guys doing the 'setting out' of the slabs. They were ever so careful to try and get them laid out straight and square to the building and make sure that there weren't lots of silly little cut pieces.

2007-08-21T13:53:00.000Z

ATRIUM (the bit in the middle)

You'll be able to see this soon ...as school will be open for the new term and it's all looking so exciting. We're not allowed to show you these pictures in colour as that is a surprise for when you first visit! The reception area and lift shaft (the thing the lift goes up and down inside) have some really FAB colours that you'll just have to come and see yourself!