How the new buildings could look at Stonehenge. Pictures: AOC/Wiltshire Council

New learning block and Neolithic communal building proposed at Stonehenge

Paul JonesNovember 22, 20230 Comment0

PLANS for two new education buildings at Stonehenge have been submitted.

The scheme would see a new Learning Centre and a re-constrcuted Neolithic Communal Structure – providing a classroom from the past – built on the historic site, near Amesbury.

A temporary facilities building would also be retained under the plans.

The learning centre, the application says, would be “based around two inspiratonal learning spaces”; a STEM learning lab and a flexible learning studio.

A reconstructed Neolithic Communal Structure provides a classroom from the period, built based on evidence for communal buildings from the period found at Durrington Walls.

“The new Learning Centre uses materials that are low in carbon – natural, compostable and local where possible,” the plan said.

The new learning block proposed at Stonehenge. Picture: AOC/Wiltshire Council

“All external walls are ‘solid’ and constructed from a monolithic, thick clay block, fired at a low temperature with very low embodied energy.

“The clay blocks provide thermal mass and a high level of insulation, eliminating the requirement for oil-based insulation.

“External sweet chestnut timber cladding, FSC certified, wraps around the single-storey building.”

Inside the proposed new learning block. Picture: AOC/Wiltshire Council

The Neolithic Communal Structure would be used as an all-weather learning space, the plan said, constructed using techniques and materials as close to accurately as possible.

“The emphasis on this building is to provide an all-weather learning space that requires minimal repair and maintenance,” it went.

A thatched roof would be built, although the structure may be slightly smaller than originals, due to height restraints on the site.