First Sports Hall to be built from recycled shipping containers opens in Lambeth
The first sports hall in the world to be built from recycled shipping containers has been constructed at a school in Lambeth, thanks to the council's innovative Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project.
Students at Dunraven Secondary School enjoyed a memorable basketball lesson as they shot hoops in their eye-catching new sports hall on Thursday (June 4). It was the first PE lesson held in the sports hall built from high strength steel shipping containers which took just three months to construct at the school in Leigham Court Road, Streatham.
Contractors Urban Space Management, in partnership with architects Scabal, used 30 shipping containers to create the three-storey structure which includes a full sized basketball court, viewing galleries, and two changing rooms. The design was built in approximately half the time it would have taken to create a traditional brick building. Unlike conventional brick buildings, the eco-friendly sports hall can also be dismantled and re-used for other purposes and creates less carbon dioxide.
David Boyle, Principal, said: "We are delighted with the new sports hall which provides the school with an inspirational space for our students who will benefit greatly from its construction. The building also shows Dunraven's commitment to sustainability as the sports hall has been constructed entirely from recycled materials."
Cllr Paul McGlone, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Service, added: "This is a truly innovative project and an absolute thrill to have in Lambeth. It's wonderful to see our dedicated BSF team co-ordinate such a unique and innovative project, which I hope is a taste of what's to come to Lambeth in the future."
Other features include: A weather controlled heating system which monitors outdoor temperature and sets indoor heaters accordingly, a rainwater harvesting system, motion sensor controlled lighting, low energy light bulbs, and solar controlled glass which embrace natural light through fully glazed windows.
Published on 22 June 2009