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Preschool Bishopdale

Preschool Bishopdale

Description

The staff and children of Bishopdale Preschool were displaced after their original building was destroyed in the February 2011 Earthquake.

They have been occupying a classroom at Breen’s Intermediate School for the past 4 years.

Fusion Homes Ltd is proud to have been selected for the Design, Project Manage and Build of this brand new Preschool on site at the school.

  • Large over 2 play area
  • Separate under 2 area
  • Air ventilation in the under 2 sleeping area provides constant temperature and ensures ongoing fresh filtered air to the area
  • Situated for optimum sun aspect.
  • Ramp and wheelchair access
  • Energy efficient build products
  • Under floor heating provides constant warmth
  • Designed and built to MOE standards and safety requirements

Warmer Forever Preschool (case study)   see:  FusionHomes – Commercial Project– PRESCHOOL Rebuild Case Study 2018

The happier, healthier, warmer children at Bishopdale Community Preschool are enjoying the creature comforts of being cocooned by NZFoam insulation for three winters now – and the power bills are low to boot!

Accommodating up to 50 children, the Fusion Homes rebuild with NZFoam insulation in the walls, ceilings and underfloor, has proved a measurable success. Centre Manager Sarah Straver has noticed an incredible difference in warmth compared to the previous pre-quake building and the subsequent temporary Preschool.

The 294metre space has a large main area, for 2 to 5-year-olds, a kitchen, nursery and sleeping room for the under 2’s, staff room, offices and bathrooms. Even though the purpose-built Preschool is four times the size of the previous building – the average monthly power bill is actually less.

“Spring and Autumn only requires one heat pump in the main area – and we turn off by mid-morning,” she says. We only really need to take the chill off the air. “Visitors and staff remark on how comfortable and pleasant it is here. We have five Snowtemp heat pumps but in mid-winter we only have the main heat pump on as long as midday – and it stays warm until 5oclock.

Sarah was concerned the floor would be cold, as underfloor heating wasn’t an option. However, it’s not cold at all at ground-level, even in the vinyl areas. Coats and mittens are removed on arrival chilly days, then its playtime in single layer clothing.

Sarah has noticed a decline in asthma, with no children needing to bring inhalers. In the previous building there were 10. “There’s no dampness, condensation or moisture. And I never feel a draft.” Humidity is around the ideal 47%, and important for little ones, there’s no formaldehyde in NZFoam, or any off gassing.

Meanwhile during warmer months, the Snowtemp cooling system only needs to be used in short bursts on a sweltering day.