Earlier this year, Kier handed over the teaching block at Ffynnon Taf Primary School in Taff’s Well, which is partially heated by an ancient hot spring.
The heating system was designed to use water from the only thermal hot spring in Wales, which runs at a toasty 21°C. The water from the spring passes through a series of heat pumps which heat the new building, and the existing Victorian block.
It replaced the original gas heating system and is expected to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by around 33 tonnes each year, as well as saving money for the school.
"Projects like this don’t come around often and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase how our expertise can benefit our clients in enhancing their sustainability.
It’s fantastic to see the pupils enjoying their new home and the school benefitting from the same spring that put Taffs Well on the map."
Jason Taylor Regional director at Kier Construction
A spokesperson from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council said:
“The fully accessible teaching block at Ffynnon Taf Primary School provides a 21st Century teaching facility that everyone can be proud of, to serve the community for generations to come.
"The Council’s investment, successfully delivered by Kier, has replaced the school’s temporary accommodation with brand new facilities, making a positive difference to pupils each day.
We are proud of how the Taffs Well Thermal Spring has been utilised to heat the new school block. This is an innovative project which cannot be replicated anywhere else in Wales and will help towards achieving our wider Climate Change goals and commitments.”
Kier was appointed in 2021 to build a new teaching block and assembly hall within the grounds of the existing school in Taff’s Well, south Wales, by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
The new building contains four new classrooms, associated toilets and cloakrooms, a main hall, storerooms, a plant room, and circulation areas. Externally there is a mix of hard and soft landscaping and play areas.
Procured through the SEWSCAP framework, this project was completed ahead of schedule by Kier and will support the delivery of the new Welsh curriculum.