"school"

Highfield South Farnham Primary School contacted Zenith as they were in need of a canopy structure for their play area that could be used for additional outdoor learning space as well as a play area.

TODD Architects completes redbrick business school for Queen’s Belfast. Queen’s University’s £17.5 million business school sits within its south Belfast campus, in front of the Grade II-listed Riddel Hall and enclosed by woodland.The new building, built on a former car park, has teaching and learning spaces for postgraduate students along with facilities for supporting the school’s executive education and leadership programmes, with informal study areas, academic offices and shared spaces.The external palette of materials is restrained to sit within its context, combining red clay brick, bronze-framed aluminium and floor-to-ceiling glazed screens. Red cast stone delineates colonnades at the upper and lower entrances.Inside the circulation spaces, exposed concrete soffits with floating ceiling rafts, board-marked concrete walls, timber wall sheeting and terrazzo flooring, create a robust aestheticOne of the key spaces is a top-lit, triple-height atrium with a feature stair providing access from the ground floor reception to the upper ground level, where informal study booths overlook a landscaped courtyard.Primary teaching spaces are restricted to the lower ground floor with large volume lecture theatres set into the surrounding landscape to lessen their visual impact and massing.A low-energy, ecologically sensitive design approach was adopted from the outset. One measure taken was a major geothermal heat system. Piles were driven to a depth of 125m in an adjoining field to extract heat from the sandstone substrate and provide low-level constant heat via underfloor heating, resulting in a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.The £17.5 million project extends to include the partial refurbishment of a listed property.In 2016, Queen’s Business School merged with the William J Clinton Leadership Institute. It is located in the university's Riddel Hall campus on the Stranmillis Road and planned to expand its facilities in 2017 due to continued growth.Architect’s viewOur appointment arose out of a design competition, promoted by the university. We presented a plan diagram based on how we envisaged people might move through the building and a conceptual architectural approach that proposed carefully knitting the built form into its landscaped setting, both of which are still very evident in the finished building.Externally in respect of materiality, the building echoes the neighbouring, listed Riddel Hall in its use of red brick and cast stone. Internally we have sought to ensure a connectivity for users with surrounding mature woodland, with board-marked concrete and other natural finishes combining to create a calm, robust and understated aesthetic.We promoted a low-energy, ecologically sensitive design approach from the outset, securing a BREEAM Excellent rating, with the building’s renewable energy sources including a major geothermal heat system beneath an adjoining lawn and roof mounted arrays of solar/photovoltaic panels.Peter Minnis, project director, TODD ArchitectsClients’ viewsQueen’s University Belfast is moving towards net zero, and this building – which uses sustainable ground source heating – is an important part of the journey. The design of the building, which is sleek, contemporary, and future-focused, boasts the scenic quality of being nestled in the trees of the Stranmillis Conservation Area.The building is helping us a) grow our international stature and esteem by hosting high-profile events; b) expanding our research-led dialogue with the business community by providing space for collaboration and dissemination activities; and c) offers a fantastic student experience via tailor-made areas for learning and study.Professor MN Ravishankar, dean and head, Queen’s Business SchoolThe new Queen’s Business School is the latest building in Queen’s University’s capital investment programme to support world-class education and research and provide an exceptional learning environment and experience for its students. TODD Architects have exceeded expectations in terms of the University’s estate, with this truly iconic building.To address the significant growth in our student numbers and the unprecedented demand for our graduates, the University with full support from local government and employers, approved a capital investment in excess of £26m in a new Business School Building. Designed by TODD Architects, the building provides state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for more than 3,000 students and 130 academic staff and will play a key role in the future growth and development of Northern Ireland’s business and finance sectors.Through collaboration and a commitment to excellence, TODD Architects has ensured that this facility will enable the Business School to continue its growth, by attracting the best staff and students from Northern Ireland and around the world, and to produce graduates who will make a positive impact on society.We are delighted with our new landmark building that will take Queen’s Business School into the next phase of its development and serving future generations to come.Sonia O’Hare, school manager, Queen’s Business School https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/todd-architects-completes-redbrick-business-school-for-queens-belfast?tkn=1 Project dataStart on site September 2020Completion May 2023Gross internal floor area 6,000m² (including 250m² basement)Form of contract JCT Standard Building Contract with Quantities 2016 EditionConstruction cost £17.5 millionArchitect TODD ArchitectsClient Queen’s University BelfastStructural engineer WSPM&E consultant AH DesignQS WSPLandscape architect McIlwaineAcoustic consultant FR Mark & AssociatesProject manager WSPPrincipal designer WSPBuilding control BCC/Local authorityMain contractor Felix O’HareCAD software used Revit

When an Academy school in Northamptonshire needed to replace their dated and dangerous Granwood sports hall floor with a spectacular new ‘fit for purpose’ indoor sports surface, they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 400m2 of their world class Olympic standard Taraflex® Performance vinyl sports floor.At Rushden Academy, they recognise the importance of Physical Education (PE) and the role it has to play in promoting long term, healthy lifestyles and making apositive impact on physical, mental, and social health.Installing the new Gerflor flooring would need to be undertaken by a flooring company that could deliver an excellent finish worthy of both the school and the quality flooring specified.

Newton System 800 used to damp proof a school in Brighton which required multiple damp proofing treatments as part of its refurbishment. Installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor CavityTech.

Clear lacquer provides a sleek finishThe new Manchester Met University School of Digital Art (SoDA) houses the latest in technological facilities for students studying film, animation, AI, UX design, photography, gaming, sound design and more. This is a £35m investment into the future of digital story telling designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley (FCB) Studios and Kier as the constructors. SoDA is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary school supporting the growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s creative digital sector.Emphasising the creativity fostered within the school the entrance features a four-storey video light wall on the northern façade, creating a platform where the work of the students can be displayed.Powdertech was asked to provide the finish for the pleated aluminium façade, spanning 4000m2 across four aspects of the building above a new pedestrian street between SoDA and the adjacent Benzie Building, part of the Manchester School of Art. The sawtooth facade panels were finished in a Qualicoat Class 2 clear lacquer, applied using a chrome-free pre-treatment, and creating a sleek gleaming appearance. Transparent Metal Protection Lacquers are available in many shades and provide the same level of protection as opaque architectural powder coatings.BenefitsPowdertech has close relationships with the leading powder manufacturers who specialise in custom shades.All powders are of architectural quality and provide excellent weather resistance and colour stability.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the façade free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 35 years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.

The power of a good student council has helped to shape six new outdoor areas at Denton Community College.Students at the secondary school in Greater Manchester highlighted the need for sheltered outdoor spaces for recreation, dining and for more comfortable journeys around the buildings.Working for Robertson Facilities Management, which looks after the school, Broxap was contracted to complete six installations.To keep disruption to a minimum, works on site began in July 2022, as soon as Denton Community College had closed for the end of term.Prior to that, our team had been preparing behind the scenes to ensure the design and manufacture stages were complete so the installation could go ahead without delay throughout the school holidays.The project included the survey, design, manufacture and installation of two twin conic tensile canopies; a triple conic tensile canopy; two bespoke link walkway tensile canopies and a bespoke access tensile canopy.The early works were of particular importance as the triple conic canopy and two walkway canopies were situated within a central courtyard.This required specialist plant to be moved into the space to accommodate all of Broxap’s installation processes.Thanks to the fact design works were completed in May and June, manufacturing began on time and the delivery and installation phases maximised the available time frames by working in partnership with other contractors on site.All six canopies were completed by the end of August, and students returned to school in September to three covered dining, study and recreation areas, as well as two covered walkways across the courtyard and a bespoke L-shaped entrance canopy over an inclusive access point to one of the buildings.

A natural ventilation system from SE Controls Africa is helping create a cooler and improved learning environment for pupils and staff at independent Heron Bridge College co-educational school in Northern Johannesburg.

Astrea Academy is a new-build and refurbishment project in the north-east of Sheffield, which in time will become one of the city's biggest schools taking children from nursery age up to sixth form.

Researchers, taking part in a UK study, found that most noise issues in school classrooms were not caused by the assumed issues of noise from planes, trains and cars, but by the pupils themselves during learning activities.

Greater efficiency, lower costs and improved learning environments were among the many benefits achieved by using our Gebrik system to refurbish Hampshire County Council’s prefabricated school buildings. This major, ongoing...

Designed by Atkins Global and opened by HRH The Princess Royal, the 30 Million Charnock Bradley Building houses University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies - a world-leading centre of excellence for animal science.

Vision 7 is the third generation in the Vision range ofcommercial doors with anti-finger trap functionality,making it suitable for a wide range of ground floorapplications, including schools and leisure facilities,hospitals, shopping centres and offices

Woolston Sixth Form College forms part of Woolston Learning Village, which also includes neighbouring schools Green Lane Special School and Fox Wood Special School. The college educates & supports students aged 16 – 19 years old who have a range of additional needs.Following the installation of a number of Twinfix canopies at Green Lane Special school over the last eight years, Twinfix were approached by Woolston College to design, manufacture and install canopies on two separate occasions over the last two years.The initial project involved fitting a twenty-five sqm canopy with vertical glazing to one of the classrooms at the site. The vertical glazing offered weather protection and an element of privacy for the students using the canopy.The College was so impressed with the process and the installed canopy that they requested a second canopy spanning thirty-two sqm a few months later.Both canopies have aluminium frames powder coated in blue RAL 5010. As this metal does not rust in use, they will keep their good looks throughout their long life. The structures comprise of Twinfix’s innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-fragile (NF) roof glazing system fitted with tough 16mm opal multiwall polycarbonate. The NF denotes that these panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test ACR[M]001:2019, as recommended by HSG33.With safety of the students being paramount, protective foam pads were fitted to each supporting post to guard the children from bumps and bangs and anti-climb guttering was also included in the design for both structures.Not only do the new canopies provide additional safe space for students to play and learn, but it also enabled them to reap the benefits that come with being outdoors.

Following on from the launch of our Brise Soleil earlier in the year, we were approached by Aztec to provide some external structures for Penketh South Primary School in Warrington. With over 30 years’ experience the Twinfix Technical Team had no problems designing structures to suit both their needs and budget.Our expert team designed, manufactured, and installed a 49 sqm free-standing mono-pitch canopy in the front courtyard of the school and two staircase canopies complete with Brise Soleil.The Brise Soleil served two purposes, while providing additional shelter in conjunction with the canopies running above the external staircases, it also enhanced the aesthetics of the area and complemented the building’s exterior.The canopy roofs comprise of our innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system, the panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019 with a B designation, meaning they are classified as non-fragile. The Brise Soleil is made up of vertical ellipsoid blades which are 200mm deep and generally 2.1m height. The aluminium blades were powder-coated in RAL 7035 (light grey) and RAL 3020 (red).The structures were installed in time to protect students and staff from the recent heat wave and also in preparation for the inclement weather that the new school year will bring.

A newly built Queensferry High School in Edinburgh, replacing the one currently in use, has had its internal fit-out completed ahead of schedule after the project was speeded up through the use of SMARTPLY PATTRESS PLUS.

Due to years of underinvestment in resources and infrastructure, the now rebranded as Bromley Beacon Academy – Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) – school had struggled to adequately cater for its pupils’, all of whom have special educational needs.

In 2017, Belshill Academy invested in a new outdoor sports facility, which included three separate multi-sport courts to offer handball, basketball, hockey, tennis and football.HAGS was the successful bidder for the development, which also included a warm up / cool down section, outdoor gym, and a 400m four lane running track, and selected DCM to install the polymeric surface.The Deputy Head at Belshill Academy, John McGuire, commented:“The new MUGA facility has had a very positive impact at our school. It has brought a new dimension to PE lessons, allowing staff a far greater range of options in their delivery of lessons. The pupils love using the facility and it has been great for after school clubs as well as encouraging pupils to be active at interval and lunchtime.”

EQUITONE [natura] in colour Chalk Grey [N162] was used to clad this Nursery School in Munich, Germany. As well as reflecting the natural light, the cladding acts as a blank canvas for the beautifully milled contour design that features so prominently on the face of the building.

The school of Architecture and the Built Environment (SOABE) provides space for over 1,200 students, professional learners and a staff of research professionals. The teaching and learning facitility, is intended to have extended working hours so that they can cater for all kind of activities. 

The 6.2m x 7.8m partly freestanding canopy has been erected between two buildings at the former independent North Cestrian Grammar School in Altrincham, Cheshire, which has been attracting a plethora of pupils since it became an academy in 2016.

ASSA ABLOY UK Specification has helped the UK’s first integrated dental hospital and school for nearly 40 years with 500 timber door sets, door furniture and architectural ironmongery for the prestigious project... Click on the link below to read more.

With over 1,000 pupils at the school, Walthamstow Academy's Board of Governors required a gender-neutral toilet block that could accommodate all its students regardless of their gender – creating a more inclusive environment.Read the full case study on our website.

Surespan designed and manufactured several fire-rated roof hatches for the Killeen ISD East/West Ward Elementary School, in Killeen Texas.  The Project:Huckabee is the architect behind the East/West Ward Elementary School, tasked with replacing two 60-year-old campuses, by combining them into one new holistic learning environment. The planning behind the architecture focuses on efficiency, function and ease of wayfinding. From simple to navigate corridors, modernised classrooms and glazing to illuminate the interior with natural light. East/West Ward Elementary School blends district design standards with innovative thinking to achieve spacial efficiency and maintain equitability.Product:Surespan designed and manufactured five 35.5-inch x 35.5-inch Fire Rated Roof Hatch with an integral guard hand railing attached. These hatches are thermally broken and have been designed and tested with 4-hour fire resistance for integrity to EN 1634-1:2014.  Features:These hatches are using environmentally friendly materials such as non-combustible minerals and fireboard cladding to achieve a top-performing thermal efficiency. All the hatches were finished in a light grey polyester powder-coated finish for an aesthetically pleasing solution. The coating is set to last many years, just like the durable masonry veneer that is featured in the building, helping to maintain the space for years to come. 

Moy Construction Co Ltd were awarded a contract to refurb the swimming pool and changing areas at Perseid School in Surrey. The school offers an educational provision for children with difficulties and/or physical/sensory difficulties, and therefore, safety was paramount. As part of the refurbishment a hardwearing, slip-resistant flooring system that offered longevity was essential. The floor has been previously tiled, but due to water ingress, kept failing and required frequent repair. Rising maintenance costs and risk of slips prompted the school to look for alternative solutions, with resin being an obvious choice. An MMA resin floor provides a seamless, hardwearing and impermeable finish that will offer years of service. Moy Construction Co Ltd removed the existing floor tiles and installed a new screed prior to the installation of the resin system.From the offset, achieving a floor finish with a suitable slip rating was non-negotiable. The Degafloor QTA system is a quartz trowelled system which can be laid to falls. The system, which is broadcast with a quartz aggregate, provides excellent slip resistance, even in wet conditions, ensuring high levels of safety are maintained at all times.The project, which included the swimming pool surround and adjoining changing rooms, totalled 145 sqm and 135 lm of coving. The installation was completed over 5 days and to the satisfaction of Moy Construction Co Ltd, who were happy to have the project completed to a high standard, on time and within budget.

An Essex-based project centring on the provision of a much-needed National Autistic Society (NAS) school has seen the installation of electric underfloor heating system Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E-DUO into the 60 houses built to off-set its costs.

Patalab architects were commissioned to convert an intriguing building off Acton High Street in the London Borough of Ealing into a new certified school for children with Special Education Needs and one with a special focus on pupils with severe autism. Snowflake School is an Ofsted-outstanding teaching environment in a building which was originally a purpose-built hall for the Salvation Army before being turned into an animation studio. Inserted steelwork mezzanines over a herringbone-floored hall contributed to a mishmash of conversions. Given the nature of the school and the links between autism and noise sensitivity, Troldtekt’s acoustic wood wool panelling was specified to minimise sound reverberation and to promote a healthy sound environment and calmness.Project Architect Sophie Fuller explains “The double-height central space works really well as the school’s main hall. In order to minimise sound reverberation, we chose to clad the upper half in acoustic panelling made from wood wool. The texture and neutral colour of the panelling also help to make this tall space feel friendlier and warmer.” Following design guidelines, as well as meeting fire protection and safety requirements, meant many aspects of the building’s history had to be covered although glimpses remain. For example, the original parquet floor used in the assembly hall, original metal handrails protruding from new plywood balustrades and relocated doors as internal windows. At the same time, ramps and a platform stair lift have been added to create accessibility. Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

‘A home, not a hotel’ was the guiding design principle for the Aisher Boarding House, at Sevenoaks School. Designed Tim Ronalds Architects (TRA), Aisher House comprises three interconnected two-storey pavilions which provide a home for 60 boys aged 13 to 18 years.

Redland Court is an exceptional landmark development of the former Redland High School, which was transformed into a collection of architecturally unique buildings to create 44 new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments located in Bristol. Also, an exquisite duplex and townhouse over two floors with an open plan living area, additional mezzanine living space and roof terrace. Many of the original period features will be meticulously retained and restored, with the original Old School Hall and Library.Cellecta Mojave S2-8 was specified by KWL Architects for its high-performance underfloor heating system, it offers a dry and robust floor build-up from one source. XFLO-FF boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.Juniper Homes were awarded this 600m² contract to develop this collection of architecturally unique buildings.

When Ashington Academy’s sports hall required updating, the school decided to replace its existing Gerflor Taraflex® sport flooring with a ‘like-for-like’ Gerflor flooring as the floor, which was still fit-for-purpose, was a little jaded after four decades of demanding use.

Dacatie's Frame Formers were used in the development of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes in the attractive market town of Hinckley.Including a New Primary School, an Amphitheatre, Children’s Play Area, New District Centre, Playing Fields alongside additional landscaped open spaces.

Our Lady of the Missions Primary School in Thornliebank, near Glasgow has welcomed students back to a new academic year with the addition of a brand new 5 metre diameter Twinfix umbrella canopy. With benches fitted underneath it is part of the new outdoor learning space organised by the Parent Council.

Twinfix recently installed a free-standing duo-pitch canopy at Colne Primet Academy in Colne, providing a new outdoor dining area for students and staff. The canopy, which spanned 9m in run length and 6.1m in projection, featured the Alu-Link-Panel solid aluminium roof, which offers exceptional durability and weather protection.The new outdoor dining area has been well-received by the school community, providing a comfortable and attractive space for students and staff to enjoy their meals. The canopy has also helped to reduce congestion in the indoor dining area.The Alu-Link-Panel roof provides a range of benefits, including excellent protection from rain and UV rays, ensuring that the outdoor dining area is usable in all weather conditions. The solid aluminium panels are also incredibly durable, making them resistant to damage and rust. This ensures that the canopy will require minimal maintenance over its lifetime, providing long-term cost savings for the school.In addition to its practical benefits, the new outdoor dining area has also provided a space for socialising and relaxation, enhancing the overall student experience at Colne Primet Academy. The attractive design of the canopy has added to the aesthetic appeal of the school, improving its overall appearance and creating a welcoming environment for visitors.Overall, the Twinfix free-standing duo-pitch canopy with the Alu-Link-Panel roof has been a valuable addition to Colne Primet Academy, providing a durable, attractive, and practical outdoor dining area for students and staff alike.

Bradfield College, located in the heart of Berkshire, is a school for 13-18 year olds, providing an 'education for life'.Set up in 1892, the school has its own church as part of the grounds, which has remained closed for a number of years.However, work has been completed recently to connect the church to the school, and convert it into a learning hub for academic purposes - providing students with the space to work individually or collectively to further their learning, preparing them for life in the 21st century.ChallengeNationwide metal & single ply roofing contractors Salmon Solutions provided the solution when it came to the cladding - using elZinc® standing seam cladding in Rainbow Gold to elevate the cladding, giving a sophisticated modern feel to the metal and glass exterior.SolutionTo get a secure fix, Salmon Solutions turned to use Fixfast SPIDI® Max brackets and rails as part of the vertical cladding solution. SPIDI Max brackets are versatile to be used in a wide range of applications, as well as being suitable for horizontal or vertical applications - one bracket for both fixed and sliding points, and available in 3 material grades: aluminium, A2/304 stainless steel, or A4/316 stainless steel."We have a great working relationship with Fixfast and use their products on the majority of our projects. Fixfast - as always - were reliable and efficient with both service and the technical info, which allowed us to incorporate not just their fixings but the SPIDI helping hand system into this project."Charlie Whitman - Salmon Solutions Ltd

National Flooring Co Ltd, one of our Approved Contractors was approached by Moy Construction Co Ltd who were awarded a contract to refurbish the swimming pool and changing areas at Perseid School in Surrey. The school offers an educational provision for children with learning difficulties and/or physical/sensory difficulties, and therefore, safety was paramount. As part of the refurbishment a hardwearing, slip-resistant flooring system that offered excellent longevity was essential. The floor had been previously tiled, but due to water ingress, kept failing and required frequent repair. Rising maintenance costs and risk of slips prompted the school to look for alternative solutions and resin became an obvious choice. A Degafloor resin floor provides a seamless, hardwearing, and impermeable finish that will offer years of service. Moy Construction Co Ltd removed the existing floor tiles and installed a new screed prior to the installation of the resin system. From the offset, achieving a floor finish with a suitable slip rating was non-negotiable.The Degafloor QTA system is a quartz trowelled system which can be laid to falls. The system, which is broadcast with a quartz aggregate, provides excellent slip resistance, even in wet conditions, ensuring high levels of safety are always maintained. The project, which included the swimming pool surround and adjoining changing rooms, totalled 145 sqm of floor and 135 lm of cove. The installation was completed over 5 days and to the satisfaction of Moy Construction Co Ltd, who were happy to have the project completed to a high standard, on time and within budget.

CJ Murfitt were asked to provide an alternative product to replace failing timber products at Castle Special School in Cambridge. The school, which has 165 children attending, was opened in 2006 to replace four existing special schools in Cambridge. The timber had been used to edge planting bays and due to the poor quality of the existing material, large areas are now unusable and unsafe. The recycled rectangular palisade which was used on this project is ideal for challenging outdoor environments. The existing timber had rotted very quickly, due to poor quality preservatives which have been used in timber since the legislation which stopped the use of oil based preservatives came into effect.Recycled plastic products do not absorb moisture, do not rot and are resistant to vandalism. Rectangular palisades look great and their longevity is many times that of timber. There is a great variety of hanit palisades, suitable for creative design in any new development, reconstruction and modernisation project. Strong, durable and weatherproof, the palisades have a smooth splinter free finish. They have strong impact resistance and require little maintenance. The brown textured surface resembles the natural beauty of wood. These products can be easily nailed, cut and screwed. “The square palisades were very easy to install, allowing us to complete the work quickly and efficiently. As the product is maintenance free, we are confident that the project will remain aesthetically pleasing for a very long time.” David Coulson CJ Murfitt Limited - Contractor.

An ambitious £37.5 million Littleport complex comprising special educational needs (SEN) and primary schools, an Academy and a leisure centre. Rockfon ceilings, baffles and wall panels are installed throughout. Rockfon products were chosen because they offer excellent sound control, Class A1 fire safety and durability.