Thurston Church of England Primary Academy

Two school sites were offered as potential new locations for the school. Feasibility studies were carried out at both sites to determine their suitability. We then produced a detailed report which was presented to the school, Trust and Diocese. Following this presentation, we were commissioned to design and implement the necessary school development.

We worked collaboratively to ensure design procurement met the client’s needs and redesigned the internal layout to utilise the available space fully. Natural ventilation was incorporated into the design where possible to save costs and reduce the school’s impact on the environment (linking to Suffolk County Council’s green credentials). To ensure the client’s budget was met, we simplified the roof structure and reduced the total height of the building. This allowed our Structural Engineers to create a steel frame which satisfied the required checks as well as reducing the steel tonnage, and therefore cost. Further savings were identified within the bills of quantities.

The design was modelled in 3D to allow for a successful coordination of all design elements. Solibri Model Checker was used to run automated collision detection on each discipline’s model at fixed points in time. The findings were then discussed in design team meetings and any issues were addressed to ensure clashes were eliminated. Reports were generated as part of this process to provide visual confirmation to all of the parties involved. Designing a model to BIM Level 2, which was used by our QS team and contractor, provided the client with a more defined cost certainty.

Our Landscape team worked with the client and stakeholder to develop the site masterplan to reflect the school’s ethos. This included a Forest School area, amphitheatre and mounds for a variety of play options and habitats. Following negotiation with Suffolk County Council Planners, cycle provision has been incorporated into the design and space allocated for future expansion.

Consultation evenings with parents and meetings with the Governors, Planning and Parish Council were organised by us to help the project run smoothly. Letter drops were also arranged to keep the local community informed throughout the project.