What defines a good school building?
A demand to design appreciating the need for accessible and inclusive education has become extremely important, and in doing so highlights the pivotal role specialists in the built environment have in creating supportive spaces for young individuals in the modern age.
Environment has a significant impact on learning, and at Jubb we continually look to support new and innovative ways to deliver impactful building strategies that cater for the specific needs of students, staff and the wider communities.
A one-size-fits-all approach to educational spaces does not necessarily fulfil the design brief, so we’re committed to ensuring that we work collaboratively with project Architects and other design consultants to ensure the school’s ethos is embraced. In doing this, we are then well equipped to provide expert advice in relation to our design expertise during the design process at critical stages to offer sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Engineering know-how
Our team has delivered award-winning projects for the education sector for many years, providing structural, civil, geotechnical, transport expertise for early learning, schools, universities, and special educational needs (SEND) establishments across the country.
Some of this expertise is demonstrated below:
We were asked to develop a new 6th form building and gymnasium that was in line with Sustainable Communities for Learning and Net Zero Carbon targets set by the Welsh government. This project would form part of a wider development plan at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School and add to the significant programme of education buildings we are delivering across Wales.
Our involvement
The school’s new development was configured and designed to achieve BREEAM excellent status, following the key principles of the Net Zero carbon framework.
Our team was able to support the creation of an open and inclusive space that harnessed plenty of natural daylight – which beautifully showcased the school’s excellent views throughout the building. The building was also designed with high thermal efficiency, thus limiting the requirement for air conditioning. This therefore ensures a comfortable learning environment for both students and staff, without detriment to the planet.
Ysgol Harri Tudor, Pembroke, UK
A new development located on the site of Pembrokeshire Comprehensive School, Ysgol Harri Tudor was designed to provide an integrated facility, featuring a 1,463 place secondary school, vocational college, playfields, car park and various external facilities. The campus was also set to be a “learning hub” for the south of the country, including a SEN/ autism centre, whilst providing opportunities for community engagement.
Our involvement
After undertaking a detailed review of the site, Jubb was able to successfully redesign the building’s foundation in order to quicken the construction process, saving our client valuable time and money. Alongside reducing the capital costs of ground work, we aimed to make the construction process as environmentally efficient as possible. Our team worked through the site levels carefully to make sure that the minimum amount of retaining structure was required, as well as reusing building materials below sports pitches and incorporating them into the landscaping.
Jubb were asked to help with the relocation and construction of an entry school with a capacity of up to 1,500 11-16 year old students, plus an adjacent sixth form. The new school is set to have two interconnecting buildings, 88 classrooms, 9 science laboratories, an immersive room, drama studio, sports hall, dining area, a multi-function hall equipped with learning spaces to support vocational training, and an array of sporting facilities that will also be available to the local community.
Our involvement
Working with a major contractor, Kier, a full project team consisting of our civils, structural, drainage and transport engineers helped to prepare the ground for the Fitzalan High School’s reopening in preparation for the 2021/22 academic year. After a full transport plan had been devised by our team of consulting engineers, external enabling works could take place – which included civils and sustainable drainage. Once this was complete, we were able to get to work on the school’s building structures. A perfect example of Jubb’s end-to-end engineering capabilities.
For this £4 million project, our team were asked to provide structural and civil services in order to design the school a brand-new sports hall and 220-seat performing arts auditorium. We wanted to ensure that this space was not only fully functional and fit for purpose, but an engaging environment that would enhance students’ desire to learn.
Our involvement
Our engineers designed the vaulted single storey auditorium space with an exposed glulam frame. This provides a warm and inviting, yet environmentally friendly, educational environment, creating the perfect centrepiece for the school. The exposed frames also assist in acoustic requirements, whilst showcasing the engineering work behind its construction.
This proposed development requires our team to assist in the refurbishment of a SEND school, transforming blocks A and B to create an engaging and accessible learning environment.
Our involvement
New steel beams will be installed to accommodate the removal of load bearing walls, whilst supporting dividing partition curtain walls. To accommodate new doorways, our team will also install new internal lintels, as well as incorporating additional steelwork into the existing construction to support a new M&E kit. The project also comprises the design of new external cavity lintels to accommodate increased opening heights in block A, and an extension structure that will consist of a steel frame supporting a staircase and landings to allow individuals to safely navigate the building. Finally, our civil engineering efforts will involve accommodating new drain points for refurbishment works, as well as working alongside a landscape designer to upgrade the existing landscaping to accommodate additional parking spaces.
If you’re keen to see how our design team can add value to your next project whether this is within the education sector or in another area of our expertise, get in touch today.
