Brief
Our client required a new build stand-alone teaching block, stand-alone sports hall, and remodelling of the existing school building.
The brief also included associated external works and landscaping to accommodate the new construction. These proposed works were put forward because of Central Bedfordshire Council’s aspiration to move schools from a 3-tier system to a 2-tier system.
Key Info
Location:
Woburn Sands, Bedfordshire
Contract Type:
JCT Standard Building Contract without quantities 2016
Client:
Central Bedfordshire Council
Contractor:
SMD Ltd
Completion Date:
September 2024
Project Value:
£13,500,000
Imagery
Scope
The brief changed significantly over time due to other CBC projects not proceeding. As a result of this, pupil numbers increased and the single storey teaching block became a two storey teaching block.
Our team therefore needed to redesign the teaching block, meaning the sequencing of works changed and this then impacted the building services strategy. An increase in pupil numbers (160) led to the car park needing to increase substantially in size and the external areas having to be redesigned. We were also instructed to provide temporary science classrooms whilst the new teaching block was being built.
In addition to the two storey teaching block (with additional generic classrooms and specialist classrooms), sports hall, remodelling, and increased car parking, we needed to incorporate new pedestrian access and a multi-use informal play area. Careful consideration was given to the phasing of works to ensure the school could still operate effectively. This included prioritising the refurbishment works on the main block to provide the school with an area unaffected by works.
We provided a full MEP scope of works for the project; domestic water services, heating, ventilation, power, lighting, data, fire, and security. These were modelled in software against climate-based data to inform where efficient changes could be delivered to the project. Working with the end user and the client from the start of the project allowed cost conscious changes to be considered early in the design phases. Our
standard consultancy offering includes climate-based modelling for thermal performance and primary energy usage. The teaching block is SIP panel construction with an integral steel frame and solid insulation. Choosing the SIP panel construction meant a shorter time on site, minimising potential disruption to the school.
Testimonial
“We are delighted that these new classrooms will add to the new sports hall to help the school go from strength to strength and, most importantly, see young people in the area continue to get the very best education in modern brand-new spaces designed to help inspire them.”
Cllr Rebecca Hares, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, Central Bedfordshire Council
Result
Close liaison with the planners, school, and client allowed us to fulfil the changing requirements and resulted in a smooth delivery of the project.
Fulbrook School now has a new two storey teaching block with 12 classrooms and a modern sports hall which can be used by the local community. The existing school received extensive remodelling to receive a drama studio, and improvements to the music area and offices, as well as an upgrade to a small standalone classroom block.