Photos | Willmott Dixon trials net zero pod for schools

Willmott Dixon has developed an off-grid pod that can be a temporary or permanent net-zero learning space at schools.

Called the ‘Now or Never pod’ after Willmott Dixon’s sustainability strategy, it uses 100% renewable energy thanks to eight 450W solar roof panels and is designed to meet Passivhaus Retrofit standards in terms of the fabric, airtightness and thermal efficiency.  

The pod is constructed from a timber frame and incorporates composite cladding manufactured from 90% recycled material, insulation made from more than 95% recycled plastic and reclaimed fibres, which are re-manufactured as new carpet tiles. 

The pod’s other low carbon credentials include a rainwater harvesting roofing system and furniture made from reclaimed ocean waste and plastic, while the foundations use recycled waste material from a nearby construction site. 

The first Now or Never pod was built offsite in Norfolk to provide additional classroom space for Pixbrook Academy in Central Bedfordshire. 

The pod was the brainchild of James Vosper, assistant supply chain coordinator, as part of the 2021 Willmott Dixon Foundation Trainee Challenge.

He said: “It is a fast, sustainable and convenient way to provide versatile space that can be both short-term and more permanent, and we can also re-use it afterwards. It’s ideal for ‘pop-up’ accommodation, including learning, and with more councils looking at community-related options for ‘meanwhile’ space, it’s a fantastic net-zero solution that doesn’t require connection to services.” 

Embodied carbon was also a focus during the pod’s development, with the structural elements achieving 84kgCO₂e/m², meeting the performance targets required by SCORS (Structural Carbon Rating Scheme), RIBA and LETI for 2030. 

At Pixbrook Academy, continuing a relationship created through the delivery of the £25m 1,160 place school in 2020, James engaged with students through educational workshops on renewable energy, digital 3D scanning and sustainable materials.

Stephen Adams, principal at Pixbrook Academy, said: “The pod gives our Academy invaluable alternative learning space designed to enhance the environmental credentials of the school and cater for pupils who need access to a space outside the usual parameters of the main school. It will be dual purpose, meeting the needs of our ecological and SEN education programme.”