The off-site approach ensured completion of the scheme in just five months on a constrained school site, minimised any disruption to staff and pupils, and is a more sustainable method of construction.
The two-storey building expands the science facilities at this co-educational independent boarding and day school, bringing all the laboratories together under one roof and replacing an outdated 1950s block.
16 steel-framed building modules were manufactured off site in York and craned into position during school holidays to further minimise any disruption.
Two physics and two biology laboratories, a sixth form project room, and laboratory technician's rooms are grouped around a double height central atrium that functions as an additional teaching area and exhibition space. This central ‘street' also allows pupils to move through the space at peak times and gather informally before and after lessons.
The scheme features a number of sustainable measures, such as solar water heating to reduce energy consumption, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation and daylight and high levels of insulation to conserve energy.
The building has also been designed to be flexible and adaptable to change. The internal walls are non load-bearing and there are clear internal spans of up to 12m, so the teaching spaces and laboratories can easily be reconfigured to meet the school's changing requirements over time.
