Construction company Tilbury Douglas has finished building what is claimed to be the UK’s first biophilic primary school, in Derby, UK.

This project was delivered on behalf of the UK’s Department for Education (DfE).

St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary (CV) Academy, claimed to be the country’s greenest primary school, was built on a fast-track plan backed by the modern methods of construction concept.

This new eco-building in Derby forms a part of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust.

The school is scheduled to welcome its students and staff this month.

Tilbury's engineering team carried out the design and installation works of this heat-efficient building, which features extensive full-height glass to enhance the benefits of natural light.

The design of this project has integrated the school's interior environment with nature to promote physical and mental well-being.

Unlike the single-building accommodation arrangement typically seen, St Mary's CV Academy is claimed to be unique in its plan. It comprises five single-storey buildings linked by a large covered central pathway.

Among the significant environmental approaches at the site include the utilisation of heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, and intelligent natural ventilation technologies.

The DfE chose the location as a pilot project in 2021 following an arson attack that destroyed the previous school.

DfE programme director Matt Gage said: “We are immensely proud of the role our Risk Protection Arrangement has played in supporting this scheme and building back a better school out of the tragedy of the fire that occurred in 2021.

"It is a testament to the difference we can make when we work together as a joined-up schools sector.”