Design & Build

DEDWORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL Occupied Site Steel Frame SIPS Panels Complex Logistics Info box:Client: Royal Borough of Windsor and MaidenheadArchitect: Atkins                                  Quantity Surveyor: Faithful + Gould Project Manager: Faithful + Gould           Value: £3.7m The project involved the design and construction of a new two storey teaching block, new three court sports hall and new car park with associated external works to expand the school by two forms of entry. Neilcott were appointed at RIBA Stage 3 with planning consent in place. Design development therefore primarily required selection of materials and the production of cost effective construction details whilst remaining faithful to the design concept, maintaining the project’s quality and minimising the long term maintenance burden. The new building comprised of a steel framed structure constructed off a mass concrete foundation. The upper floor was constructed from PCC hollowcore planks and the flat roofs were of lightweight construction. Teaching block elevations were traditional masonry built against lightweight SFS infill with the sports hall clad in GeBrick and PPC aluminium above a ground floor masonry podium. In order to respond to the project’s programme challenges the GeBrik insulated cladding system was adopted in lieu of traditional masonry. In addition to being quick to install, thereby creating an early weathertight environment for fitting out, installation is less weather sensitive, further reducing programme risk. The system’s insulating properties also upgraded the building’s thermal performance, reducing energy consumption Effective ventilation was key to maintaining an internal environment conducive to the teaching and learning. Working in conjunction with specialists from Breathing Buildings a naturally ventilated solution was developed, minimising energy consumption. Neilcott instigated a detailed site energy audit which identified potential spare capacity which when combined with a low energy approaches to services provision outlined above, eliminated the requirement for new incoming services, reducing cost, risk and programme time. As part of the design development process Neilcott identified an innovative approach to solve a lack of sports hall storage. The design was adapted to enclose an adjoining former plant room which enabled the release of the allocated plant room space for sports storage. “The contractor exceeded expectations on interpretation of requirements and design delivery. The building is a high class product, with excellent attention to detail in finishes. Programme was delivered well within cost and before programme end date.”      Danuta Longworth-Krafft – Capital Projects Officer, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead  

SWANMORE COLLEGE Occupied Site Complex AV Feature Facade Info box:Client: Hampshire County CouncilArchitect: Hampshire County Council  Quantity Surveyor: Hampshire County Council                                              Value: £2.4m Swanmore College is a comprehensive 11 – 16 secondary school, with 1200 pupils on role. To support the growth of the highly successful performing arts faculty the construction of a new Performing Arts building was required to allow for more professional performances to be created and to pinpoint Swanmore College as being a leading provider of arts education. The scheme also included the re-cladding and refurbishment of Block W and refurbishment to a variety of existing classrooms. The new Performing Arts building takes the form of a steel framed, two storey box, accommodating a double height 120 seat performing arts studio, with a balcony for control equipment. At ground floor is the main lobby with access to a box office/office, disabled WC and electrical plant. The first floor houses the mechanical plant, with external access via a metal stair. A real feature of the project was the facade to the Performing Arts Block which was perforated and back lit. The building was clad in a treated, through colour cementitious board On three elevations the board was covered with a perforated mesh ‘curtain’. During the day, graphics depicting performers brought the Performing Arts Block to life and by night, the box is able to ‘perform’ with programmable coloured LED lights illuminating three façades. Refurbishment to the W Block included the re-cladding of all four elevations and some remodelling of the internal spaces to create a larger ICT suite, music practice rooms and technology classroom. The GeBrik insulated cladding system was adopted in lieu of traditional masonry to W block’s facade. In addition to being quick to install, thereby creating an early weathertight environment installation is less weather sensitive, further reducing programme risk. We worked with the school to re-programme the works to coordinate with the GCSE timetable and to minimise the impact of the works. Our team took every opportunity to work with the school and pupils to engage them with the construction works. We actively encourage pupils to consider construction as a career of choice and demonstrated the range of career options available.