A flagship school in Great Notley has won a coveted national award as one of the millennium's top designs.Notley Green Primary School has been chosen as the Millennium Building of the Year in the schools category.

And it has also been shortlisted in another national competition as one of the top 50 buildings of the year.

The £1.4 million project was Britain's first eco-friendly school when it was built last year.

It boasts underfloor heating, breathing walls stuffed with recycled newspaper and a growing roof.

A special membrane means plant life can grow on the roof helping the building to blend in with its natural surroundings and to screen out ultra-violet rays.

The competition, run by the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust, was won by the Jubilee Line underground extension in the main building category.

Cabinet Office minister Lord Falconer presented the awards to the school's architects, London-based Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, at a lavish ceremony at the Savoy Hotel, London.

Notley Green School has also been shortlisted by the Royal Institute of British Architects as one of the top 50 buildings of the year.

The Blickling Road school was selected mainly for its eco-friendly emphasis and a final decision will be made later this year.

Headteacher Faye Trussler said: "This is obviously a prestigious award and we are delighted for the architects. It's been a pleasant environment for children to work in and I think this struck the judges when they visited."

The triangular building was developed by Essex County Council and the Design Council. County council education committee vice-chairman Bonny Hart said: "These prestigious accolades are a fitting award for such a unique and creative building project."

The school is holding its grand opening on Friday at 2.15pm even though it has been up and running since September.

Popular children's writer Michael Rosen will be among the dignitaries at the ceremony. He will spend the day working with the 101 pupils.

Green design is a winner - a view of Notley Green Primary School

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