Brief
Stowupland High School had been experiencing an increase in demand for pupil places, due to housing developments in the local area.
To facilitate the growing pupil numbers, the school required a new standalone sixth form block to be built on the existing school site. Concertus were commissioned by the client to consult on the design and construction of the new block, and the associated external works such as landscaping, car parking and coach drop off spaces.
Key Info
Type:
New Build & Refurbishment
Value:
£2,500,000
Location:
Stowupland, Suffolk
Completion Date:
January 2021
Contractor:
SEH French
End User:
Stowupland Sixth Form
Programme:
One year
Disciplines:
Architecture, CDM, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Mechanical + Electrical Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Structural + Civil Engineering
Imagery
Scope
The Architecture and Interior Architecture teams worked closely to produce designs which would fulfil the client’s requirement for a mature and professional aesthetic both internally and externally.
This was to provide a suitable independent space for the sixth form aged students, as well as fantastic facilities for the wider community. The facilities incorporated in the design included 4 new classrooms, an ICT room, a food technology room, performance space, and a sixth form common room.
The Interior design team also completed a thorough space plan to co-ordinate all interior items. This involved clash detection software to ensure the positioning of furniture, fixtures and equipment did not clash with mechanical and electrical (M&E) items, such as plug sockets and vents. Careful consideration of the presentation of the M&E services was also required such as considering the duct work, pipe work, type of insulation, containment, and colours to suit each room to maintain the excellent interior finish of the building.
Our team of Structural Engineers designed the main structure of the school to consist of a Structurally Insulated Panel System (SIPS). This method reduces waste and, improves the efficiency of the building reducing future energy costs for the school and the impact on the environment. To accommodate the parking and coach drop off area our engineers carried out early engagement with The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) to ensure the scheme fulfilled the specific drainage design strategy required for planning permission to be achieved. This early engagement allowed us to gain preplanning advice and discuss the submission strategy to ensure we met all necessary requirements when submitting the planning application.
Result
The completed sixth form block was very well received by our client, who were pleased with the appearance and efficiency of the building.
Our collaborative approach to this project, both internally at Concertus and externally with contractors, client, end users and the local community ensured the project ran smoothly and the end result was of exceptional quality. The school is now able to facilitate the sixth form in a separate block with excellent educational facilities, freeing up vital additional space for the younger students in the main school building.