Stoke SEND School, Packmoor
Completed in September 2024, the £11.5m satellite facility expands Watermill School in Packmoor, creating new opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Designed to provide education and support closer to home, the project accommodates up to 70 pupils, offering an inclusive and modern learning environment.
Led by Tilbury Douglas Construction, Palcon Energy Services Ltd was awarded the design and installation of the Building Management System (BMS) in collaboration with M&E contractor Dodd Group.
Built to meet DfE 2020 Output Specification requirements, the two-storey Special Education Needs school in Stoke-On-Trent is a pilot scheme targeting Net-Zero Carbon In Operation (NZCiO) and is designed to achieve Passivhaus ‘Classic’ standard compliance.
The BMS system, based on Tridium Niagara 4 controls, manages a high-efficiency heating system featuring gas-fired condensing boilers, designed for future integration with air source heat pumps to support Net-Zero Carbon ambitions.
A mixed-mode ventilation strategy blends central mechanical ventilation systems with high-efficiency natural ventilation units from Breathing Buildings, ensuring fully autonomous environmental control. Through variable air volume control, local temperature sensors, and CO₂ monitoring, the system optimizes ventilation rates for comfort and efficiency.
The BMS automatically transfers energy data to the K²n cloud-based platform, enabling detailed tracking and analysis of building performance. Integrated electricity and utility meters, alongside pulse meters for water supply, provide real-time insights, driving data-driven operational efficiency improvements.
The Watermill School expansion represents a forward-thinking approach to SEND education, balancing high-performance environmental management, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability goals. By integrating intelligent BMS technologies, the facility ensures optimal conditions for students, staff, and future growth.
