Our Building Surveyors are delighted with the outcome of a recent project to form a Library at Little Lever School, Bolton.
Our longstanding client had a former courtyard/quadrangle within the middle of the school, which was previously enclosed with single storey conservatory-style extensions that had been added on over the years to create additional space. However, the conservatory structures were not wind and weathertight, had a cold environment, with limited insulation and polycarbonate roofs, and generally not an inspiring teaching space.
The school needed to replace the conservatory structures, and through consultation with our longstanding client, our team at Lea Hough came up with the idea of fully enclosing the former courtyard to form large, spacious Library / teaching resource area, with a modern, open-plan and inspiring appearance.
This whole courtyard area has been enclosed by the addition of a flat roof at high level, to create one large open-plan area in the centre of the school, which is used as a Library and Learning Resource Area.
The new structure has a steel supporting structure, and a timber flat roof structure, with a well-insulated flat roof. All works were carried out to Building Regulations standards, and the roof has a long guarantee.
Internally, a new suspended ceiling was provided along with new LED lights, new concrete floor and carpet tile floor finishes, and the room was fully redecorated and fitted out with new bookshelves, desks and furniture.
It was a tricky project to design, with rainwater disposal, roof levels, fire safety, and structural matters requiring consideration.
Logistically, the project was difficult, with the works needing to be undertaken in the centre of school, meaning difficulties in terms of scaffold erection, delivery of materials, and lifting structural beams into position. Health & safety, safeguarding and noise were significant considerations. Nevertheless, our Surveyors agreed a tight but workable programme with the main contractor and the school, and the mainstay of the works were carried out during the school’s six-week summer holiday period. A crane was situated on the rear playground, to lift the steel beams and materials into the central courtyard.
The result of the project means that the centre of the school is now wind and weathertight, and thermally well insulated, and provided with low-energy light fittings, helping the school to reduce energy consumption and work towards sustainability.
For any advice on delivery of complicated building projects at high schools, primary schools, academies or sixth form colleges, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our Surveyors have specialist expertise in the educational sector and will be delighted to assist.
