The project
The school was in desperate need of replacing its dilapidated maintenance building – and cost was the major driver. We knew that design and build could provide great value, when a building’s form is straightforward – and the maintenance store and workshops were the ideal example.
The challenges
Life is never straightforward: ground conditions proved difficult, with the discovery that the site had previously been used for fill. In addition, the head teacher was very keen that the building not be seen from elsewhere on the site, especially the manor house.
The solution
We provided an engineering solution to pile the site and construct concrete-reinforced ground beams to support our steel frame, at the same time as designing the steelwork to remain below the tree line. Sensibly, we utilised green cladding to allow the workshops to nestle in the woodland.
The result
The estates bursar was delighted with the new modern staff facilities, with the joinery and paint workshops all provided within a tight budget.
