Manea Community Primary School
Manea is a rapidly expanding rural village in Fenland.
Manea Primary School currently offers 180 permanent and 60 temporary places, with an on-site preschool accommodating 26 children. To address growing needs, Cambridgeshire County Council and Manea Primary School has created 60 additional mainstream places, expanding the preschool by 14 places, extending the main hall, and remodelled spaces to provide for Special Educational Needs.
This project emphasised on inclusive design principles, ensuring the building can be used safely, easily, and with dignity by all. The design fosters curiosity, resilience, and confidence in students while equipping them with the skills to thrive as independent and engaged members of society. By prioritising accessibility and inclusivity, the project contributes positively to the community, creating an environment where individuals feel valued.
Key interventions include:
- New standalone teaching wing with one Key Stage 1 classroom, three Key Stage 2 classrooms, and group and ancillary spaces, replacing temporary classrooms and one undersized existing classroom
- Remodelling and partially extending the preschool, with new external play areas
- Expanding and remodelling the main hall to increase dining capacity
- Creating a SEN Resource Base Room and adjoining calm room through internal remodelling
- Increasing hard play areas to meet required standards
The teaching wing is a linear structure-oriented eastwest, with classrooms facing the established forest school and hard play area. This layout maximises northern glazing for uniform light while mitigating solar glare and overheating. The design also ensures privacy from the public right of way to the south, with ancillary spaces positioned on that side. The wing replaces an existing hard play area, which will be replicated and expanded to the north, connecting external spaces.
The building’s materials reflect its rural context, with profiled metal sheeting for the roof and northern facade, complementing the forest school setting. Buff brick ties into the existing school masonry, while woodeffect cladding on the southern elevation emphasizes the agricultural aesthetic.
The preschool operates independently, with flexible management allowing it to function separately from the main school. Existing accommodations will be reused and remodelled, with extensions providing new spaces. A redesigned entrance leads to a refurbished coats area, office, classroom, and centrally located kitchenette for supervision. A new external play area enhances functionality.
The project’s massing and layout, developed in consultation with the Council and School, optimises the learning environment. Northern and eastern glazing ensures bright, evenly lit spaces while minimising overheating and maintaining privacy. Southern glazing is limited to reduce light spill and visual intrusion into neighbouring properties.
This collaborative effort focuses on creating flexible, inclusive spaces that inspire learning, adapt to changing needs, and serve students, staff, and the community. The design respects the area’s character and ensures long-term functionality, with careful attention to access, scale, and proximity to neighbouring properties.
Sustainability is a central goal, with the building targeting 80% Net Carbon Zero in operation. Environmentally friendly materials, efficient construction methods, and minimised lifetime environmental impact highlight a strong commitment to sustainability. By integrating inclusivity, sustainability, and community-centred design, the project supports long-term societal wellbeing.
