Synergy News & Blog: News
Carshalton High School for Girls New F Block – A Modular Solution
A brand-new modular building is complete at Carshalton High School for Girls, after the school’s previous F Block had become outdated and in need of extensive repair. Synergy was appointed by The Girls’ Learning Trust and provided Project Management, Cost Consultancy and Building Surveying services from feasibility to completion in January this year.
The Project
Image © Ground Up Video Productions LTD 2013
The old building was demolished, and in its place now stands a block that houses Product Design, Art and Food Technology, allowing the school to further develop their existing STEAM provision and allow for an increased number of pupils. In addition to the classrooms, the building includes offices, prep rooms, an accessible WC, a photography studio, copier area and Kiln room. The project team worked hard to deliver a bespoke building with purpose built FFE made by Klick to meet the school’s needs.
All aspects of the building (fire alarm, intruder alarm, IT, data etc) were connected to the rest of the school on completion to work alongside existing systems.
The Benefits of Modular Construction
Using prefabricated units or ‘modules’ is a highly efficient and versatile method of construction providing modern and flexible buildings with state of the art mechanical and electrical systems.
Built off site, they are created while the groundworks and foundations are completed and are less subject to weather delays. Due to the controlled conditions in which they are made, they can also be tested thoroughly before leaving the factory. These factors result in a rapid construction process and can lessen the waste of material, water and energy used in comparison to traditional build.
Installing the Modules
Delivering and installing the modules was a large-scale logistical operation. Extensive planning with the highways was needed to transport the 28 modules to the school site out of hours to avoid congestion and comply with traffic regulations. These arrived on large articulated lorries, all within one week. Working within a restricted site in the heart of the school grounds with a difficult site entrance required close collaboration with the Girls’ Learning Trust throughout construction. The team overcame these challenges by trimming several trees, removing fencing and railings that were then reinstated following delivery and the school car park was temporarily used as storage space.
The lifting protocol was highly dependent on the weather and with meticulous planning, a stringent lifting procedure was implemented to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.
The building is a fantastic new environment for creative learning and is now in full use by the school.
Feature Image: Image © Ground Up Video Productions LTD 2013
