Hounsome Fields Primary School

Our dedicated education team have worked to deliver a new Primary school in Basingstoke for up to 420 pupils aged between four and 11 years old. This school also has dedicated provisions for eight special educational needs (SEN) places and was constructed to serve the rapidly growing communities from two new housing developments in the area.

Hounsome Fields Primary School has also been designed to allow the expansion of up to 630 pupil places, however this is subject to future demand and capital funding.

Passivhaus

Procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), this eco-friendly school was the first "Standard Primary School" model developed by Hampshire County Council to target a Passivhaus Classic certification (awaiting accreditation).

This two-storey building epitomizes energy efficiency and sustainability, offering an optimal learning environment with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. The Passivhaus standard ensures exceptional thermal comfort and indoor air quality, critical for fostering a healthy and conducive learning atmosphere for pupils and teachers alike.

The new school is also a Climate Change Primary School Pilot project and has been assessed against the county council’s climate change targets of being carbon neutral by 2050, designed to be resilient to overheating and flooding.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director of our South Offices commented:

"We are extremely pleased to have worked with Hampshire County Council (HCC) again, after working with them back in 2020 to deliver Barton Farm Primary School. It has been an honour to strengthen this relationship whilst supporting HCC’s commitment to providing school spaces to alleviate the demand in the area, offering vital SEN provisions also.

By utilising energy efficient practices and targeting Passivhaus standard, this high-quality school is resistant to future climate requirements and targets the Council’s aim of being carbon neutral by 2050 also, thus, Hounsome Fields school can stand resilient in serving Basingstoke’s pupils for years to come."

This innovative school is one of three similar projects that were developed by Hampshire County council, setting a new benchmark for future educational facilities.

By integrating advanced architectural designs with eco-friendly construction practices, these schools not only address immediate educational needs but also contribute to the long-term environmental goals of the community. The project reflects a visionary approach to education, blending functionality with sustainability, and serving as a model for future school developments nationwide.

Comprehensive track record in sustainable education

Willmott Dixon's delivery of Hounsome Fields adds to an extensive portfolio of sustainable schools:

UK Firsts and Breakthrough Projects:

• Harris Academy Sutton – the UK's first Passivhaus secondary school, operating at 80% lower costs than conventional school
• Hackbridge Primary – the UK's first Passivhaus 'plus' primary school
• Tarleton Academy – the first academy to achieve net zero carbon in operation

Scale Delivery Across Multiple Authorities:

Leicestershire County Council's net-zero schools roll-out programme (first two schools delivered)

• Paddock SEND School in Tooting (completed August 2025, providing 64 additional specialist places, targeting net zero in operation with BREEAM Outstanding accreditation pending)
• Wales: Glyn-coch primary school due autumn 2026 (Passivhaus standard via SEWSCAP framework, targeting net zero in operation)
• Surrey: Hopescourt School (the county's first net zero carbon in operation specialist free school)

Cross-Sector Passivhaus Expertise:

• Bridgend College net zero in operation town centre campus (on site)
• Spelthorne Borough Council and Exeter University facilities targeting Passivhaus standard
• 12 apartments and six houses to Passivhaus standards in Caerphilly

This project adds to our growing experience in delivering educational buildings. We have recently completed works on Paddock SEND primary school in Tooting and Chichester college’s new STEM building. Over the coming months we will be finishing work on Oxlow Bridge SEND School in Dagenham and next year will see Hopescourt School in Walton on Thames welcome students.