Creating healthy learning environments through effective ventilation

THE PROJECT

Prince William School is a large secondary school and sixth form in Oundle, Northamptonshire, serving around 1,300 students from across the local area. As part of an internal refurbishment programme, the school sought to transform its former library space into two new classrooms and a smaller library area, creating additional teaching facilities to support a growing and evolving learning environment.

With education providers increasingly recognising the importance of indoor air quality in supporting pupil wellbeing, concentration and academic performance, effective ventilation formed a key part of the refurbishment project.

To deliver a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for students and staff, a comprehensive mechanical ventilation system was installed, incorporating Nuaire commercial heat recovery air handling units (AHU) and extract ventilation equipment throughout the refurbished areas. The project was delivered by ventilation specialist 1st Choice Ventilation on behalf of main contractor Donostia Interiors.

THE CHALLENGE 

Schools present a unique challenge when it comes to ventilation. Classrooms are often densely occupied for extended periods, resulting in rapid increases in carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, humidity and airborne pollutants if adequate ventilation is not provided.

Research continues to demonstrate the link between indoor air quality and educational outcomes. Studies have shown that poor air quality can negatively impact concentration, cognitive performance and attendance, while improved ventilation can help create healthier, more productive learning environments. Recent UK guidance from the Department for Education states that good ventilation is essential for healthy and productive learning environments, helping to improve alertness and concentration, reduce pollutants and support occupant wellbeing.

The refurbishment of the former library at Prince William School presented a number of practical challenges. The existing building structure contained significant steelwork throughout the space, requiring careful coordination of the ventilation design and ductwork routes. The project also had to be completed within the strict operational constraints associated with a live educational environment, with delivery schedules, access arrangements and working hours all carefully managed to minimise disruption to teaching activities.

THE SOLUTION

Working from the consultant's pre design, 1st Choice Ventilation collaborated closely with the project team to refine the ventilation strategy and adapt the ductwork layout to accommodate the structural steelwork within the building. Ductwork sizes were also increased in selected areas to maintain system pressure and ensure optimum performance throughout the installation.

The completed solution incorporated three Nuaire XBC 25 heat recovery AHUs alongside two Nuaire ILMEC in-line mixed flow fans.

At the heart of the system, the XBC units provide highly efficient mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, continuously supplying fresh filtered air while extracting stale air from the occupied spaces. Heat energy from the extracted air is recovered and transferred to the incoming supply air, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures while reducing overall energy consumption.

The XBC range has been designed to deliver high levels of indoor air quality and thermal comfort, making it particularly well suited to educational environments where occupancy levels fluctuate throughout the day. By recovering heat that would otherwise be lost, the units support both occupant wellbeing and the school's wider sustainability objectives.

Complementing the AHUs, the ILMEC mixed flow fans provide efficient extract ventilation, combining high airflow performance with compact installation requirements. Their design enables effective air movement through ducted systems, helping to maintain consistent ventilation rates across the newly created teaching spaces and library area.

The installation was completed in accordance with the school's strict site requirements. Construction areas were segregated from students at all times, with out-of-hours working undertaken where necessary to minimise disruption to normal school operations.

THE OUTCOME

The completed ventilation system has helped transform a former library space into modern, comfortable learning environments capable of supporting both students and staff throughout the school day.

By delivering a continuous supply of fresh air while removing stale air and indoor pollutants, the system helps create conditions that support concentration, comfort and wellbeing. This is increasingly important in educational settings, where children spend a significant proportion of their waking hours and where indoor air quality can have a direct impact on health and learning outcomes. Research from the UK Schools' Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education (SAMHE) programme has highlighted that improved air quality in schools can contribute to better attendance, improved educational outcomes and enhanced wellbeing for both pupils and staff.

The Prince William School project demonstrates how modern ventilation systems can successfully support the refurbishment and repurposing of existing educational buildings, delivering healthy indoor environments where students are able to learn, thrive and perform at their best, while maintaining energy efficiency.