Willmott Dixon has completed Hounsome Fields School in Basingstoke, delivering the first primary school designed by Hampshire County Council to target Passivhaus Classic certification – a milestone that reinforces the company's position as a leading contractor for sustainable education buildings.
The 420-pupil primary school, complete with an eight-place dedicated resource provision for special educational needs (SEN), represents a breakthrough moment for Hampshire's educational estate. As one of three similar projects being designed by Hampshire County Council, it sets a new benchmark for future educational facilities.
Following Willmott Dixon's recent contract win for a Passivhaus primary school in Glyn-coch, Wales, Hounsome Fields demonstrates growing momentum behind ultra-low energy schools that deliver exceptional learning environments.
Procured through the Southern Construction Framework, Hounsome Fields is one of three pioneering projects setting Hampshire's new blueprint for climate-resilient schools. The two-storey building is future-proofed for expansion to 630 pupils should the need arise and designed to remain carbon neutral through to 2050 and beyond.
Richard Poulter, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon in the South: "This isn't just another school – it's proof that Passivhaus principles create learning environments where children and teachers thrive. Following our success with Harris Academy Sutton, which runs at 80% lower costs than conventional schools, Hounsome Fields shows how Hampshire County Council is positioning itself at the forefront of the sustainable schools revolution."
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 schools
- 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:
- 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 and Net Zero 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
Climate action for growing communities
The school's design will remain resilient against climate change impacts while contributing to Hampshire County Council's ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050. For the fast-growing Basingstoke community it serves, Hounsome Fields represents a statement of intent about creating sustainable communities for future generations.
Poulter added: "Hounsome Fields proves that Passivhaus isn't just an aspiration – it's a deliverable reality that creates better schools, healthier communities, and significant long-term savings. As demand for sustainable schools accelerates, we're proud to be leading this transformation."
The completion of Hounsome Fields follows the recent handover of Paddock SEND School in August 2025 and contract awards including the £15.3m Catterick town centre regeneration and £14.4m Sheffield Event Central transformation.
