Brief
This project aimed to bring Key Stage 1 (KS1) provisions together in one location, ensuring that the shared facilities are used effectively.
The accommodation would consist of three individual classrooms that would be grouped together with outdoor play areas.
It was also a requirement that the parental drop-off and pedestrian access routes, to both the existing pre-school and the proposed building, were maintained while site security would have to be preserved with minimal fence demarcation.
Overall, this project would have to create a more cohesive and functional space for KS1 students to learn and play.
Key Info
Project Location:
Wingerworth, Chesterfield
Project Type:
New Build – Modular
Client:
Derbyshire County Council (Children’s Services)
Contractor:
Suffolk County Council—
Ideal Building Systems
Project Completion:
March 2023
Project Value:
£1,317,708
Project Completion:
December 2022
Concertus Disciplines:
Architecture, Building Services Design, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy, Structural Engineering
Scope
The project was commissioned to Concertus for RIBA stages 2-6. The project aimed to enhance the educational experience of KS1 students and to provide them with a better learning environment.
The proposed scheme involved constructing modular classrooms for KS1 students, along with outdoor play areas. This would consolidate KS1 teaching spaces into a single location, which was not previously possible due to the topography and accommodation constraints present at the existing school. The new facilities would bring about improved amenities that would be more easily shared across this specific age range.
Before work began on site, there was a ground investigation undertaken to shorten the lead in time for the contractor, Ideal Building Systems, the phase II Ground investigation didn’t highlight any anomalies however, it did allow a more efficient drainage design to be realised owing to the ground conditions found.
We also conducted a feasibility study, where it was concluded that a small number of trees would have to be lost to facilitate the development. However, the landscaping scheme included several compensatory trees and screen planting which would be adopted where possible, to reinforce existing boundaries and provide screening to neighbouring properties.
Imagery
Result
Built using offsite manufacture and modern methods of construction, the new building consists of three individual classrooms, a central lobby, toilets, and a small storeroom.
The project successfully alleviated existing classroom pressures which were present due to the previous accommodation constraints, and the overall design has contributed towards creating an attractive and stimulating learning environment for KS1 children.
Our positive and collaborative relationship with the school, and with Ideal Building Systems, ensured that there were continuous lines of communication, which helped to deliver the project to the schools standard, on time and under budget.
Testimonial
“Throughout the project, Concertus have been professional, helpful, and thorough. Having our new classrooms up and running has been fantastic, the children and staff love the new space and outdoor areas that have been designed specifically for our younger pupils.”
Jenny Murphy, Headteacher, Hunloke Park Primary School