When BAM Construction and Alec French Architects set out to deliver two new schools in Lyde Green, Bristol, the ambition was clear: create some of the largest educational facilities in England built to Passivhaus standards. This meant designing and constructing buildings that would not only meet rigorous energy efficiency targets but also achieve net zero carbon performance. Sustainability was not an afterthought—it was the foundation of the project.

Passivhaus certification demands exceptional thermal performance, airtightness, and the use of materials with low embodied carbon. For Lyde Green School, this translated into a structure that could store carbon rather than emit it. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) was chosen as the primary building material because of its ability to lock away CO₂ absorbed during tree growth, making it a natural ally in the fight against climate change.

However, CLT alone could not meet all the requirements. The project needed a solution that would:

• Provide robust fire protection for the timber structure.

• Align with the sustainability goals of Passivhaus.

• Integrate seamlessly with large-scale installation demands.

This is where fermacell® fibre gypsum boards became a game-changer.

fermacell® was selected to encapsulate the CLT structure, and its contribution was pivotal. Over 75,000 m² of fermacell® fibre gypsum boards were installed by DMS Drywall Systems Ltd in a three-layer system of 12.5mm thickness, achieving a K2-60 fire rating. This solution delivered more than compliance, it delivered confidence. DMS Drywall Systems Ltd did the installation to a very high standard with precision detailing and professionalism.