The Annesley Road school will be the first in the country to benefit from a Blue Planet Building.

The idea is to bring in a portable, flat-packed modular building that features a solar 'skin' that generates its own usable electricity.

Entrepreneur Derick Wilson, himself a former National pupils, launched Blue Planet Buildings in order to provide support bases in disaster zones whereby temporary office-space and accommodation can be set up quickly.

But now the Nottingham University-backed innovation has attracted interest from all fields because the buildings are easy to transport, economical and simple to assemble.

Rebecca Hughes, deputy head teacher at National, researched the benefits of a Blue Planet Building.

She said: "The school already has a wind turbine and believes in the use of the earth's natural resources. On an educational stance, the children have been involved at every stage – from the initial explanation in assembly through to a mini-display presentation in the school reception.

"They have also been encouraged to get involved with the opportunity to choose the colours of the new centre.

"A garden for wildlife will also be built within the new learning centre and a time capsule buried underneath. This is such an exciting project and the first of its kind."

It is hoped work will start in August during the summer holidays and will take a month to complete.

The project is a joint investment between the school and Notts County Council.

Mr Wilson, whose company is based in Mansfield, explained: "The design incorporates on the outer face of the roof and wall panels the latest solar technology. This means the building will generate its own power.

"Made exclusively using modular buildings, the finished learning centre will have three large teaching areas, offices, storage rooms and a unisex toilet."