"school"

For West London Free School, music is at the heart of school life. Located in the busy district of Hammersmith, West London Free School needed to be transformed into an acoustically sound teaching and learning environment catering for students from Year Seven to Year 12. Existing buildings ‘The Music Lodge’ and ‘Palingswick House’ both needed to be fully refurbished. This included labs, art rooms, a canteen, a library, and a two-storey music centre.The Project In order to provide better learning environments, Rodney Maggot, Senior Design Co-ordinator for Willmott Dixon Construction, planned the acoustic requirements for each new space. The classrooms were originally built for other purposes, making the spaces challenging to work with. The refurbished buildings were full of hard reflective surfaces, so Rodney requested that Autex break up the spaces by adding sound absorbent materials. Quietspace® Panel was employed to achieve high acoustic absorption for each of the spaces being renovated. Great care was taken to strategically place each individual panel where they would best absorb problem frequencies, ensuring the rooms were balanced. By altering the height of the suspension, the surface area of the panels were increased ­– drastically improving the targeted sound absorption and reducing the number of panels needed to achieve the same result. Autex was able to cater to the different acoustic needs of each classroom by custom cutting each of the 50mm panels to the size they would be most acoustically effective.During the project there was a lack of storage and delivery space on site which meant nothing could be delivered prior to the installation date. Autex Acoustics coordinated with Willmott Dixon and delivered the panels on the exact date they were required for installation – making the process more efficient. To guarantee none of the panels were damaged in transit, Autex made several alterations to the packing of the panels which allowed for a quick and efficient installation once the panels had arrived safely. Choosing the safest acoustic products for the updated learning environments was an important aspect in the product selection process. Autex Acoustics were deliberately specified as they are lightweight; the panels are suspended above the classroom, so it would be considered a hazard to have them overhanging if the panels were too heavy. For peace of mind all Autex suspended acoustic systems have been vigorously tested and have been proven not to fall or collapse in the event of an earthquake. All Autex interior acoustic products are made from 100% polyester, making them non-toxic, safe, and a healthy alternative to other fibreglass systems available on the market. The installation of Autex Acoustics products dramatically altered the acoustic performance of the buildings, particularly in the Music Centre, which was a fantastic result.

Franke Water Systems was chosen for a local school Henry Fanshawe in Dronfield for their washrooms refurbishment over the summer break. Franke were chosen to supply a mixed range of products including solid surface washtroughs and stainless steel sanitaryware. The project included a range of Miranit composite wash troughs and stainless steel circular washtroughs complete with self-closing taps and SD80 soap dispensers.

Cantonian High School in Fairwater, Cardiff were in the process of having some Portakabin buildings installed and required a large canopy that would provide a covered walkway along the length of their Textiles, Food Tech, Drama and Learning Centre classrooms.Portakabin requested a price from us as we work closely with them, offering their clients shade and shelter solutions that fit perfectly with their temporary buildings.The school required the canopy to be 68.58m long with a projection of 6m, as mentioned above to cover a number of classrooms.The SolutionThe Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy was proposed as the ideal solution as it covered the customer’s needs. It has a maximum projection of up to 6m, can be any length and offers high UV protection to those underneath including shelter from the rain.The school was happy with the design put forward by Able Canopies and Portakabin and placed an order for a 68.58m x 6m Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy.

Over 5,000m² of BEMO standing seam profile was supplied to the new music school. Finished in an Anomax Anodised light gold, the profile provided non-penetrative support to the BEMO-Bond rainscreen panels at the eaves to provide a smooth finish

LAMILUX designed, supplied and installed eight LAMILUX Glass Roof PR60 mono-pitch rooflights at Oundle School Sports Centre. Seven of the rooflights, were positioned over the 50 metre swimming pool, adding an abundance of natural light, with special sun protective glazing to eliminate overheating. A special coating was applied to the aluminium profiles to protect them from corrosion within the chlorine environment. The eighth rooflight, an 18m x 6m trapeze shape, illuminates the atrium at the flagship of the school’s sports masterplan.

 Divided into time slots so school life could go on as smoothly as possible during the restructuring, the renovation work involved changing all the functions of the educational establishment. A structure with entrances on either side, limited storage space for materials, the need to create various secure entrances to the institution consecutively according to the work phases… The BW Dumot architectural firm met these high-stake challenges with agility in organisational terms. Of course, by choosing a ventilated facade solution on a subframe and products renowned for their ease of installation and great resistance, the firm was able to optimise the External Thermal Insulation (ETI) phase.Changing the perception of the institution through the building envelopeLocated in a so-called sensitive neighbourhood, Paul Eluard Secondary School was ageing, with deteriorating facades. Its new generation design had to mark a change in order to both encourage residents to see the institution in a new light and help the students to reclaim the school.Since the college is located in a green space, away from the centre but overlooking the entire city below, the architectural firm chose a sleek design, a smooth and structured white mineral look, and the PAPYRUS finish (crumpled paper). In this way, while aiming for an understated look, the firm was able to create a strong contrast with the school’s surroundings, so that it would stand out and become a landmark.It was through the building envelope and the treatment of the facade that architect Barbara Dumont was able to express this aesthetic preference.

Established in 1976, Corfe Hills School in Dorset welcomes over 800 secondary and sixth form students through their gates each year. Since achieving Academy status in 2011, Corfe Hills have been looking ahead, keen to develop a schedule of works for building improvements that support the school’s growth and ultimately safeguard the building’s future.Over time, the existing roofs across the site had experienced continuous water ingress issues that needed to be addressed. Multiple roof penetrations from the roof lights were leaking water; the existing waterproofing system and the overlaid bituminous membrane were failing in places resulting in splits and blistering, and the metal roof had rusted beyond repair. With rain seeping directly into the classrooms below, action had to be taken to ensure the site was remedied to a safe and comfortable learning environment for students and staff.Garland Technical Manager, Paul Boole, was instructed by building surveying firm Kendall Kingscott to support Corfe Hills approaching CIF bid for the critical roof refurbishment works. An essential part of the brief was to ensure that the buildings were not only fully waterproofed but to upgrade the overall thermal efficiency, alongside securing a robust 20-year guarantee.In support of the CIF bid, Paul carried out a thorough investigation of the school’s roof assets for Kendall Kingscott, producing core sampling data, detailed condition surveys and U-Value calculations to outline a clear specification for the works required. 

Hush Acoustics were tasked with resolving acoustic issues within the King’s House School in South West London.The two Victorian buildings feature a dining hall which had become an extremely noisy environment during lunch service, and this had become disruptive. The hall itself featured hard surfaces throughout with no sound absorption potential, and this was also a problem when the hall was being used to deliver assemblies.Hush Acoustics carried out tests using its Acoustic Modelling Software to measure the reverberation time within the area. Reverberation time is the most common way of expressing a room’s basic acoustic character. It is the time taken for a steady noise to decay by 60dB after its source has been abruptly cut off.After analysing the result of the tests, 31x Hush 50A panels were proposed to be mounted across the ceilings of the two areas to significantly reduce these noise levels. These panels comply with BB93 standards for school acoustics and all the UK Building Regulations relating to acoustics.Feedback from King’s House Estates Management was very positive, saying that the enhancements made to the space made a huge difference for the school as well as the children.Scott Beavers says “Work was carried out professionally and the sound reduction/intensity has decreased dramatically. This has really made a great improvement, thanks!”

Saracens High School in Colindale, North West London is set to benefit from a brand new building constructed using the Knauf ThroughWall system. The new building will become a hub for the local area including pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.

To supply and install a space-saving passenger lift in a new extension to St John The Baptist Primary School in Penistone, a market town and civil parish in South Yorkshire. Completed in 2019, the new building houses supplementary classroom facilities vital for this thriving, voluntary aided C of E school with 548 pupils in the 3-11 age bracket.

In 2020 the River Wye broke its banks and flooded nearby Monmouth Prep School in Wales causing severe damage to the entire ground floor of the Prep School, playground and surrounding fields. According to the latest reports on the impacts of climate change, flooding caused by severe and frequent rainstorms is the UK’s most pressing climate-change risk and could affect millions of people causing extensive damage, disruption and loss. So, once the school was back on its feet, we were delighted to work with their insurance broker, Hettle Andrews, to make sure the property was protected against future flooding. Monmouth Prep School, MonmouthMonmouth Prep School is a fully co-educational Prep School in Wales for children aged three to 11-years-old. The independent school is one of Wales’ leading prep schools and offers boarding and day attendance to pupils in modern and contemporary teaching spaces which encapsulate the very best of traditional, independent education.  We worked with the school’s insurance broker and project facilitator, Hettle Andrews, who work primarily with schools, universities, colleges and charities. The challengeThe school had previously had minor issues with flooding as the River Wye is situated at the bottom of its garden. However, the flood of 2020 was the most devastating. The river broke its banks and flowed into and through the school to the dual carriageway situated on the other side. The flood damaged the entire ground floor of the school, the playground and surrounding fields and the whole school had to be urgently evacuated. No warning: the school is surrounded by a flood bank and had flood gates installed in 2002 however there was no early warning system in place to get the flood gates closed in time.Extensive damage: the 200-year-old school building sustained catastrophic damage and needed large-scale structural repairs to be restored.Sanitation issues: the waste from the surrounding farmlands was washed into the school along with the floodwater, mud and debris causing not only damage but also sanitation issues. Inconvenience: the clear-up process included using five 40 foot skips which were filled with damaged items such as furniture, clothing, educational equipment and floating debris.Disruption: the school had to close for nearly seven months to clear the debris, remove all the damaged school equipment, clean the entire premises, sanitise and eventually re-build.The solution;Andel’s FloodAlert – one of our innovative, industry-unique flood defence solutions which provides an early flood warning for properties not covered by the Environment Agency flood warning service. FloodAlert provides real-time information on rising water levels and automatically sends out early warnings. The robust and reliable system is easy to install and set up and once in, tracks surface water levels for up to 15km from a gateway. This means the school now has:A cost-effective, real-time local flood alert system with three alert levels A sensor which sends SMS and email alerts to give them time to take action to protect their pupils and the school Optional live monitoring on a cloud-based portal, via any device with internet connectivityA system that can communicate with an unlimited number of designated usersCommunication via a low-power LoRaWAN network. The resultEarly warning: the school now has an effective early warning system for rising surface water. Safety first: the school now has safety measures in place to protect its pupils aged three to 11-years-old. Confidence: the early warning system gives the school staff around six hours from the first notification of rising waters to close the flood gates allowing plenty of time to evacuate the children as well as any equipment. Peace of mind: the staff at the school feel relieved knowing the water levels are constantly being monitored at the property especially because they are so close to the banks of the River Wye. Community: we are always quick to try and accommodate schools that require our services as we know they are the centre of the community and provide safe havens to many. We are proud to have been involved in this project alongside Hettle Andrews and to have been able to install our FloodAlert product on a site with such a rich history and provide the school with an effective early warning system plus peace of mind.What the customer said;The 2020 floods were devastating and left us with the fear that it could happen again. Having such little children on site, it was very stressful knowing there was no early warning system in place. Now we have a good five or six hours from the first notification of rising waters to close the flood gates, evacuate the children safely, and make the necessary arrangements to protect the building. With all these flood defence measures in place, we hope to never have a repeat of the destruction and school closure of 2020.Rob Alexander, Caretaker, Monmouth Prep School

2019 Best Educational New Build at the SPACES Awards2019 Highly Commended at the Sussex Heritage AwardsVacated in 1994 and in a state of disrepair since a fire destroyed its chapel in 2009, the convent in Hunston required partial demolishing and refurbishment. IG’s gothic arch lintels played an important role in the restoring character to the original convent built in 1870 – now a central piece to the new Chichester Free School.Challenge:The £26.5m project plans, designed by Novium Architects and built by Farrans Construction needed to retain the unique single and double gothic arch windows surrounded by stone detailing. Extraordinary engineering was required to help secure the traditional architecture within the crumbling walls.Solution:The use of BIM by Doran Consulting within a Common Data Environment (Aconex) allowed their design team to integrate a digital survey of the existing convent building into the 3D models for the refurbishment to the existing and the extension of the two new school wings. This was vital in designing the new structure around the existing building, avoiding potential site clashes and to deal with complex details connecting the old building with the new, well in advance of site construction.To ensure the existing convent facades were restored to their former glory, IG’s production team replicated a double gothic arch lintels to the exacting design and measurements required. A 1580mm opening span, incorporating two 650mm wide gothic arch details, with a 430mm rise was specified – increasing the end bearing to extend the distribution of the load to the brickwork.The disused 19th century Carmelite convent has been successfully transformed into an educational facility. The new school blocks are linear in form with each wing projecting either side of the newly restored convent. The bespoke solution helped to rediscover the architectural significance of the old building as part of a new contemporary setting. The school now boasts a 600m2 sports hall, 250m2 hall and dedicated music and performance spaces for over 1280 students from reception age right through to sixth form.

A long term solution which is flexible and seamless is provided with SofTop Comfort SL polyurethane comfort floor. The system has proven durability for school use yet is soft and comfortable to walk on with sound deadening properties and enhanced health and safety performance.Although both the adults and the students have taken good care of their beautiful school, the passing of time still ravaged the concrete and the roof with damage and decay. The school was subsequently renovated, and by 2015 the buildings were once again ready to host its students after a thorough rebuilding, where the floors were nautrally renewed.The school area was approximately 8,000m2. Linoleum was chosen for one half and SofTop Comfort SL on the remaining 4,000m2. After two and a half years there was already clear differences in how the two floor types had met the challenge that the schools nearly 700 hundred students had inflicted on a daily basis.

Jo Richardson Community SchoolProduct: Tarnhow Dome Free Standing Timber CanopyTimber Stain Colour: Antique PineCanopy Size: 35m x 11mEstimated Value: £90,000Installation Date: August 2017Contractor: KCH Contractors Ltd.The BriefJo Richardson Community School is a large school in east London. The School has around 1400 pupils between 11 – 19 years of age.In one part of the School there is a generous sized space that is enclosed on three sides by school buildings. The School has many courtyard spaces like this but this one is the busiest because it is next to the canteen and on the most direct route to the separate sports hall. As the space is uncovered it offers little shelter to pupils and staff. To transform this area, so that it could be protected and safe to use for dining, break times and other activities, the school wanted to cover it with a canopy.Initially they requested a steel framed canopy with no central posts. This would allow maximum use of the space (with no posts to restrict the flow of people or potential uses). There were two major drawbacks to this approach. The first was cost. A steel structure large enough to cover the space and work without central posts would not be cheap. The second was that using a steel structure, that was big enough to fit the space, had the potential to not be sympathetic to the surrounding buildings and environment.As this was such an important project it was essential that any solution satisfied both practical and aesthetic requirements. This can be seen in the rendered image below which shows how the all steel structure would have looked.A second, more cost-effective option was then proposed. This still used steel but included posts that would support from the centre. This gives more flexibility to the installation process and reduces costs, but does place limitations on the use of the space and flow of pupils under the canopy.In both cases a steel canopy was proving not to be the ideal option.The SolutionTo overcome the issues of using steel we suggested to the School that they consider our Tarnhow Dome Free Standing Timber Canopy. This would allow them to maximise the space, work within a manageable budget and use a material that would complement the existing buildings and make a strong and appealing visual statement.The final size was a canopy that measured 35 metres in length, by 11metres wide, with a height of 5 metres. This could be installed without central posts, thereby ensuring the space could be maximised and used for different activities and occasions.While timber was not the first thought for the customer it proved to be the perfect choice. With its good looks, provision of effective weather protection and value for money price, it ensured the school achieved their project goal of a transformed space that would provide value for them well into the future.InstallationThe final installation not only gave the school everything they needed in terms of weather protection but it also looked extremely impressive with the dramatic lines of the wooden Tarnhow frame drawing the eye through the structure to the end wall. The substantial height of the canopy added to the feel of space and depth that will mean the school can use it for all sorts of activities and events and not just as a seating area.It also allows large number of pupils to move around the space safely with plenty of room for seating and other equipment, such as a hot snack trolley, to be used.The installation itself was a textbook process with the frame going up quickly and then the roof panels being added to the structure. Our pre-installation visits and accurate measurements allowed us to have all the elements in place before the agreed installation date, meaning we could finish on time and on budget. We were even able to design and construct a neat bespoke solution where the canopy had to fit with the existing building – see image to the right.This meant that the protection from rain and snow was complete wherever you were under the canopy and would allow the school to get the most from their new space all year round.

The creation of an ultra-modern Teaching Building as a new core to a long established school in Oxfordshire, has included the installation of custom designed and manufactured stainless steel sinks, worktops and splashbacks and other units from GEC Anderson for several of the different technical spaces.The Tudor Hall School, originally founded in 1850 by the Rev TW and Mrs Todd at a site in Salisbury, has been at its present location at Wykham Park in Banbury since World War II, while the past decade has seen some £15 million invested in ensuring the Independent Girls Boarding and Day School offers the best possible facilities.The Birmingham office of ADP Architects has been responsible for the design work on this latest project, while Clegg Construction Ltd of Nottingham was the main contractor carrying out the work. Acting as a specialist sub-contractor, GEC Anderson conducted site visits and liaised with the project team in order to ensure its custom fabrications met the schools’ health & safety as well as technical and teaching requirements. The manufacturer also worked closely with Tudor Hall’s Bursar, Neil Farquhar to ensure its site installation visits in no way interfered with the academic activities as lessons continued throughout normal term time. One of the architects involved with the project from early on commented: “The GEC Anderson sinks, work-surfaces and other fabrications were specified for the Food Technology Area as well as units for the Ceramics and Textiles rooms. The new centre opened on schedule last Easter in time for the start of the 2018 summer term and everyone involved has been pleased with the results.”A spokesperson for Tudor Hall added: “The new Teaching Centre is the largest and most ambitious addition to Tudor Hall facilities to date and sits at the heart of the school site. Designed to provide teaching spaces for the core subjects of Mathematics and English and specialist classrooms for the creative arts, the Teaching Centre transforms the teaching provision which Tudor Hall offers and we are delighted to have it operative, and we are already witnessing its impact.” Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.

Through a collaborative effort with Ashe Construction, Team BOYCO successfully undertook the transformation of classroom areas.Project ScopeNestled in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, Avanti Brook Primary School is dedicated to providing students with a holistic and challenging learning experience. Recognised for its commitment to educational excellence, the school endeavors to cultivate a nurturing learning environment. In pursuit of this commitment, Avanti Brook sought to enhance its classrooms.Through a collaborative effort with Ashe Construction, Team BOYCO successfully undertook the transformation of a classroom area, crafting a space that seamlessly blends comfort with functionality for the benefit of students. The BOYCO WayBackgroundThe furniture was crafted to cater to 30 students, featuring a lower split-level sink for accessibility. Storeroom shelving was also installed, increasing classroom storage space and provide teaching staff with the space to create an organised and efficient learning environment. This has allowed for quick access to learning materials, and teaching essentials that need to be kept close to hand.Our dedicated in-house design and project management teams collaborated closely with architects to grasp the specifics of the client's requirements, ensuring the final product seamlessly complemented the school's overall aesthetic.The selection of our bespoke Peg Rails, Benching, and Sink Areas were chosen due to the Primary Schools requirement for a practical, everyday solution. The ranges selected also provide comfort and functionality for pupils, making them perfect for the classroom environment.Following a joint approach between BOYCO's project management team and Ashe Construction, along with our competitive pricing, the project was successfully fitted and completed within a 2-week timeframe.Quality Bespoke ProductsThe spaces that house the Split Height sink area and Cloakroom Benches were anticipated to be frequently used by students, so it was important for us to place a high emphasis on both durability and hygiene.As per the BOYCO standard, our timber is twice coated with our anti-microbial lacquer designed to prevent the spread of 99% of known bacteria, contributing towards a clean and safe learning environment.Additionally, all our metal work is coated in our 'Hot Dip’ Nylon, offering an unparalleled abrasion resistance that surpasses powder-coated paint alternatives by 500X. This robust solution ensures a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing product, contributing to the overall visuals of Avanti Brook Primary School. Project SuccessThis project with Ashe Construction resulted in the client expressing full satisfaction with the product, followed by positive feedback.Team BOYCO are proud to have contributed to the delivery of this excellent project and are thrilled to have transformed learning spaces for pupils at Avanti Brook.

Priors Court School embarked on an expansion project to enable them to support an additional 13 young people severely affected by autism. The EcoBatcher will save a project of this size 696 single-use plastic buckets! Read the full case study on our website.

A new flooring finish was required for the atrium in the Radclyffe School in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Because the atrium floods this area of the school with so much light through a Perspex roof, it meant that whatever was chosen had to be UV stable, hard wearing and safe. The system also had to be economic, hard-wearing, easily cleaned, have low odour during application and chemical resistance, slip resistance and non-dusting. Sherwin-Williams’ technical flooring experts looked at their diverse range of Resuflake options for this specific application covering 800 sq metres.

The purpose: Water penetration into classrooms alerted theOfsted “outstanding” rated Colchester County HighSchool for Girls in Essex to a problem with its roofs.Its premises advisors, Archer Building Consultancy,turned to Langley to offer technical support for themost efficient best-value rectification, with fundingprovided by the school’s governing body, The AlphaTrust.Our solution: We carried out an in-depth roof condition report which highlightedthat the four flat asphalt and 10° pitched copper standing seamroofs urgently need repair.We advised the most efficient solution and use of resources wasto strip the copper roof back to the plywood deck and form a newwaterproof layer from our TA-30 Flat Roofing System and theasphalt roofs overlaid with TA-30 and our Liquid Roofing System.By leaving the original roof, we were able to minimise disruption.In the process, we assessed the roofs for their suitability forphotovoltaic (PV) installation, then helped address energy costs:one over a three-storey building was deemed appropriate. Finally,in partnership with Archers, we supported the detail required toapply for Salix funding to cover the supply and installation of thePV array.

The Project New two storey Sixth Form facility to house teaching, exhibition and social learning spaces.The facility is intended for use by the school and the local community & hoped to be a hive for activity in the local area.  The Challenge Propose and deliver a system suitable for a heavy use environment whilst also offering a commercial style space expected by the wider public.  Durability, ease of cleaning and maintenance are key drivers in the decision process as these areas will be used for extended periods and by a diverse sector.  The washrooms are likely be used by all visitors and it is paramount that the facilities compliment the building and impress the user. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Cubicles with Stainless Steel Ironmongery create an opulent seamless wall within the washroom space Solid Surface bespoke vanity troughs with full height mirrors above open up the space and add a commercial fit out touch.Wall panelling has been included to completement the systems and enclose the WC working mechanisms whilst providing ease of access to the onsite maintenance teams.The project was managed by the contracts team at excelsior and delivered to an extremely high standard by our trusted team of fitters.

The ChallengePreston Primary School required cover for their outdoor play area so that their pupils could play outside in all weather conditions at their school in Devon. The school liked the appearance and practicality of the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy, yet due to the fact that they did not want to fix a canopy to their existing building, they requested information on the free standing canopies available. They also had a fixed budget and therefore required a canopy that would fit into their budget without compromising on quality and size.The SolutionAble Canopies suggested the Grange Junior Free Standing Canopy as the ideal shelter solution for them due to its similar appearance to the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy, and the fact it also shared many of the Coniston's benefits including its ability to be constructed to an unlimited length. As a free standing structure the Grange Junior does not need to be fixed to a building or other structure which matched Preston Primary school's needs. It benefits from a robust steel frame which is covered with polycarbonate roof panels that offer high UV protection from the sun, making this product ideal for an educational environment.

The BriefMorgan Sindall were tendering for an £18.8 million refurbishment of Lexden Springs School in Colchester, Essex which cares for children with special educational needs. The refurbishment included relocating the school to a new site with a brand-new building which would enable the school to create an additional x80 places, almost doubling the number of pupils they can support and offering an additional x30 boarding places for pupils.The Senior Quantity Surveyor from Morgan Sindall first contacted Able Canopies in December 2017 with the canopy designs that were produced by Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture. He asked us to submit our proposals for the canopy structures which included a number of free-standing canopies spread around various locations within the new school grounds.The SolutionAfter various conversations between Able Canopies and Morgan Sindall, plus a change in the original canopy requirements to ensure the very best solutions were found, we were able to cultivate a number of designs that suited the requirements of Morgan Sindall, the architect and the school staff.To achieve this, we utilised the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy to its full potential for many of the designs by incorporating rear posts, transforming it into a free-standing canopy and fixing two canopies back to back to create an apex roof design and a much bigger span. Not only did this ensure all canopies had similarities to create a uniform yet contrasting appearance, it also meant we could keep costs down and all the requirements from the architect were met.We installed a total of five canopies that feature timber end panels. The panels we use on our canopies are often clear polycarbonate however, it was an important requirement that the outside area featured a range of colours and textures to enhance the sensory experience for the children whilst playing. We are also able to source splinter proof timber to make it a much safer environment for them.

2000sqm Optima FC concave panels in PPC Aluminium has been used on the brand new Carnegie School of Sport, along with 600sqm. of flat Optima FC in PPC Aluminium and 1200sqm. Optima FC in Anodised red etched panels. Optima FC concave rainscreen were designed to suite the architect’s vision, the main feature of the striking sports building is encased in red etched anodised panles are contrasting tones to replicate muscle fibres under the microscope.

New school construction with biosolar wildflower roof system. Selection of sedum and native wildflower species pre-planted into M-Tray modular green roof trays for fast and easy access to and installation on single ply roof membrane. Client increased thermal insulation, reduced rainwater run-off, achieved energy savings, protected the waterproofing membrane and attracted wildlife to the roof space.The wildflower / PV roof system will feature in students' learning projects in the future.

Sector:     EducationArchitect:  Innes Associates Specified for: ·      Sustainable construction·      Inner timber frame ·      Durable external aluminium·      Design versatility·      Competitive pricingDesigned by architects Innes Associates, the latest addition to Cromer Road Primary School is a distinctive, L-shaped red-brick classroom building which wraps around a newly landscaped play space. VELFAC slim-framed windows and doors are a key feature of every facade, with dark grey external frames emphasising the pattern of shadows created by textured brickwork and inset window apertures. The VELFAC system has also helped architect Corrie Rounding meet challenging regulatory and sustainability targets while maximising usable space, increasing natural light and improving ventilation. ‘We pushed the contractor to specify VELFAC as we knew the composite frame was the right fit for the Cromer Road project,’ says Corrie. ‘The sustainability of the VELFAC system, and its low energy performance, met Department of Education requirements, while the robust external aluminium frame is ideal for a busy school environment. The design of the windows and doors also met our aesthetic brief, especially the inner timber frames. These are clear lacquered to emphasise the wood, provide a link with the trees surrounding the new building, and to deliver a less ‘sterile’ finish than aluminium or uPVC.’The VELFAC system could also meet key ventilation, daylighting and budget targets: ‘To manage costs, and maximise daylight in the right places, we concentrated our glazing allowance at the areas of most activity,’ explains Corrie, ‘but we also used windows to maximise the usability of the interior. For example, we used tall slim VELFAC units to illuminate the staircase but placed larger windows directly under the stairs to create an additional and useful breakout space.’The Cromer Road building is naturally ventilated, unusual for a Department for Education funded primary school project, with VELFAC units carefully configured to support an efficient flow of fresh air: ‘We wanted to make sure the building could stay comfortable without the need for mechanical cooling, even through the hottest summer,’ says Corrie. ‘This meant the placement of smaller windows on south facing facades, to manage solar gain, and the specification of multiple opening units across the building, including high level teleflex-operated lights. These are especially important in the classroom window screens where ventilation is guided by CO2 monitors.’ To ensure the security of children and staff, all windows also feature restrictors, with finger guards fitted to doors as an additional safety measure.Corrie was also pleased with the support provided by the VELFAC team, especially in the early stages: ‘VELFAC provided the estimates and performance data we needed to convince the contractor that VELFAC was the ideal solution for this project,’ she says, ‘and the school was certainly very happy with the end result’.

School hygiene roomThe height adjustment of the basin, toilet and shower seat is all electrically powered making it quick, easy & effortless.The room can be configured to suit multiple and individual childrens' height requirements, which will inevitably change as they grow.Working heights for different carers can be optimised.The powered toilet and shower seat also act as ‘motorised lifting aids’ helping to protect carers' backs during assisted transfers, whilst enabling the more independent children to self-transfer independently.

As the first school in the UK to be approved for all three IB Programmes, Southbank has flourished from its humble beginnings in London’s South Bank with just a few dozen students, and is now a renowned multi-campus institution in the heart of London. As a result of its success, expansion of its campus was essential to accommodate growing numbers, hence the opening of Cleveland Street in September 2018, allowing an additional 200 students, aged between 11 to 19 years old, to benefit from the IB experience.

Since its official opening back in May 2016, the Blavatnik School of Government building has become one of the most vibrant departments of the University of Oxford. HRH The Duke of Cambridge himself attended the official opening, marking the significance of this new and innovative structure. Designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, who also worked on the extension at Tate Modern art gallery in London, the award-winning building is beautifully landscaped with Hardscape’s Royal Coffee granite paving – a fitting tribute to a future King!

Moreland Primary School is a purpose built school, nursery and Children's Centre requiring a multipurpose usable outdoor space. Due to lack of space, the ground attenuation tanks planned would reduce site storage and limit access to other trades, therefore delaying the project, The challenge was to develop a storage/discharge system which wouldn't impact the project and be sensitive to the local biodiversity action plan. ABG designed a versatile Blue Roof System removing the need for attenuation tanks and allowing the roof finishes required. ABG bio-diverse roof system helped maximise the BREEAM credits laid out in the action plan

The school initially requested 20 integral finger guards as part of an extension built offsite by Portakabin in 2014, and loved our finger guards so much that they later decided to replace all of their cracked plastic finger guards with our retrofit option, installing 80 of our finger guards in total.

The Mary Webb School & Science College in Pontesbury, Shropshire has undergone major refurbishment. The first phase of the project was to install a completely new front to the main school building, replacing the old windows with Kestrel thermally efficient windows and curtain walling.

A permit was granted to construct a new 2 two-storey standalone block at Bungay High School, with four new classrooms, a staff area and a new kitchen and dining facility.

SIG Design & Technology and SIG Insulation are working with the Interserve Kajima consortium on a batch of seven secondary school projects to deliver a value-engineered, robust roofing solution. At Stopsley High School there are two roofs installed by Briggs Amasco in an approximate 16 week programme. The largest roof measures some 2500m2 and the inverted roof build up selected and supplied by SIG comprises IKO’s PermaTEC hot melt waterproofing system.

The set of canopies has made the new outdoor areas at Sundorne Infant School and Nursery and Harlescott Junior School amazing places to spend time. Pupils can play with their classmates, experience outdoor lessons or eat snacks beneath them, even if it’s raining.

The Northern School of Art’s new Middlesborough campus is a development of regional importance, a major focal point for innovation and creativity in the Tees Valley.Located on a town centre site, the £14.5m iconic scheme comprises over 5,000m2 set over three floors, providing a range of studios for fine art, textiles, fashion, digital media, photography and 3D product design. Its concrete structure with exposed thermal mass, moderates the internal temperatures.Seven Architecture were responsible for the concept and master plan at the new school. Seven Director Simon Parker said, “To ensure a distinct and striking design for this gateway scheme we have introduced glazed terracotta panels to envelope the building which reference the long tradition of ceramics courses provided by the School. They also allow for glimpses into the building via long vertical windows which provide great levels of daylight within the art studios.“Once inside, internal finishes will provide the perfect backdrop for creativity; an exposed concrete frame and polished concrete flooring, coupled with splashes of colour throughout, will create a simple and robust yet flexible space for the students. The design strategy has been carefully established through extensive user consultation and the collaborative nature of this design has created a true flagship building.” Design, build and installation working hand-in-handBAM Construction were design lead and main contractor for the Project. Bill Mordue Interiors carried out the installation of the acoustic systems at the school. Jon Day of the firm, “We were very pleased to be involved with this prestigeous and innovative development. The work progressed smoothly with support from the Rockfon team as and when required. It offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate how versatile their ranges are and how successfully they could control sound within this busy multifaceted setting.”In addition to the various studios and offices housed within the building, Rockfon acoustic systems really earn their place in the workshops, canteen, library, lecture rooms, busy thoroughfares and entrance hall where the pressures of controlling and containing sound in each space offer their own unique challenges. Challenges Rockfon is happy to meet, as independent research shows stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics.Performance, versatilty and beautyRockfon’s Jim Lundy, “Across all three floors throughout the school a mixture of Rockfon Universal Baffles, Rockfon® System Eclipse Islands™ and Chicago Metallic™ Infinity® Islands were installed in a variety of larger rectangular formats, sometimes alongside slimmer shapes, to work with the services already installed around and above them. In some instance, lighting and air conditioning are fixed within the panels, demonstrating their versatility. Rockfon Blanka® Activity B wall panels were also used within certain spaces to further control sound and help create the perfect environment for students to study, create, collaborate and socialise productively.”Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. They have a smooth, easy clean fleece surface encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, and feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. Delivering up to 77% light reflectance and diffusion, they are available in white or a selection of colours.The benefits of acoustic systems – seen and unseenThe high light reflectance offered across all our systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Vitally they all also demonstrate superior reaction to fire due in large part to the inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which forms their core. This stone wool also means Rockfon systems offer no sustenance to organisms which can lead to the growth of bacteria seen in some other ceiling systems.Rockfon Eclipse can be used as ceiling islands and as wall panels. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and almost unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, ceiling islands can be suspended by elegant wires, rods or fixed directly to the soffit.Seven Architecture Associate Architect Dean Murphy, “We felt Rockfon had a clean robust minimalistic design approach for both the suspended baffles & islands which clearly complemented the simplicity of our building design. Rockfon product ranges worked seamlessly alongside our design ideals for this building and worked well with our budget restraints.”The Rockfon Blanka range is available with semi-concealed and visible grid options for use as a suspended ceiling or as wall panels, offering a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation 26dB-46dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money.Dr Martin Raby, The Northern School of Art’s Principal, “The increased visibility and accessibility of the School will generate benefits for the region and town, attracting more students and footfall. In turn, this will bring significant economic benefit for the area and help to redefine the image of the Tees Valley for inward investors, students, and visitors.”

Morgan Sindall had secured an ESFA project to build a brand new 7.5 million school at Ashmole Primary School in London which would provide 2,072 sq ft of teaching space for 420 pupils aged four to 11.In June 2017, they sent an invitation to tender to Able Canopies for the supply and installation of the Early Years canopy; a free standing timber canopy with side screens. They gave us the opportunity to put our prices forward because they had worked with us on many occasions and more recently at Oak Lodge School in Barnet, London where we installed a large aluminium wall mounted canopy. Whilst working with Morgan Sindall on these previous jobs, we have built good working relationships.In April 2018, we received the sub-contractor order for both the canopy and the timber screens for installation in July 2018. They chose us for the project because they found our service to be exemplary as explained by Neil Parratt from Morgan Sindall: “The customer service they provided was exemplary. Josh Foord came to site and was very helpful and worked closely with the designs and requirements. The customer service was just very good!”