Buro Happold's work on the east end campus for the John Wheatley College followed an environmental agenda of sustainability and low energy. The project adopted extensive use of alternative technologies, including the a biomass heating system, rainwater harvesting, solar collectors and integrated PV technologies within the south facade. Sustainability assessments for the project were undertaken, with BREEAM Excellent as the benchmark.

The use of cross flow natural ventilation within the classrooms was developed with the use of innovative wind driven stack ventilation shafts, incorporating daylighting techniques to achieve a daylighting factor of 5%. Exposed concrete slabs provide the thermal mass necessary to stabilise the indoor climate within the teaching block. An ETFE foil cushion roof has been designed to provide an enclosure to the main concourse space.

Date: Completed in 2007