Graveney School

CLIENT: Graveney School
VALUE: £2.4m
DATE: September 2019

Quinn London were employed to design and build a new extension block for Graveney School. The extension was constructed on a brownfield site within the school boundary.

The project involved:

• Installation of a concrete slab and up-stands of 60 piles to support
• Superstructure consisting of a CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) timber frame over 3 levels
• Installation of a single ply membrane roof
• Creation of a large atrium stairwell that illuminates the main entrance and circulation area
• Fit out internally consisting of a natural timber finish from the exposed CLT frame with all M&E fixtures face fixed on the wall

We created a large cantilevered walkway that surrounded the building at first floor level and also formed a balcony at second floor level with a spiral staircase linking the two. This steel structure was encapsulated in a powder coated mesh cladding system which provided an appealing design feature that contrasted with the timber finish.

At roof level we installed a structural walkway which connected the newly installed observatory to provide safe access to the pupils of the school.

Project Challenges

The main challenge on this project was the pre-construction phase of designing the CLT frame. Each works element had to be taken into consideration i.e. ducts routes, tray routes, structural door openings, door thresholds, all elements of design had to be finalised and planned to achieve design freeze for the CLT frame. Once the frame was manufactured there was no scope to alter on site.

Our project team worked in close collaboration with the project planners, supply partners and the client on this project to make the sensitive work environment run smoothly. Our efforts resulted in the project being delivered 1-week ahead of schedule.

The fit out internally consisted of a natural timber finish from the exposed CLT frame with all M&E fixtures face fixed on the wall. The ceilings had acoustic rated finished plasterboard ceilings with carpet floor finishes to classrooms and vinyl floor finishes to communal areas. We installed a toilet block at ground floor level and 2 no. tea points in the teaching office areas.

We created a central plaza externally with 150 sq/m of paving with slot drainage at door thresholds. We also installed 400 sq/m of turfing externally to the rear of the building, we ensured careful protection of the existing trees and shrubs during the work.