Sector: Education
Service: Building Surveying | Project Management
Holy Trinity School
Faced with a shortage in early years pupil places in Somerset, the local authority engaged Hookway to design and project manage the construction of a new four classroom block. A Victorian town centre school was chosen as the new build site. Having recently completed a successful new extension to create a new assembly hall at the school we were asked to provide a modern teaching block that would fit comfortably within the existing topography.
The challenge
Following our options appraisal the site of a former swimming pool opposite the main school entrance was chosen as the build site. Highly aware of effect that poor school design can have on teaching and learning the stakeholders had very firm ideas on performance requirements.
The solution
Despite the restricted site area and very close proximity to the existing school entrance the works were a great success. Although apprehensive before the start, school staff and pupils enjoyed the whole process. They were encouraged to take part in the design and kept a keen interest during construction.
The result
The design is popular with pupils and staff alike and the local authority are very pleased with the whole experience especially as time and budget constraints were not exceeded. Each classroom has easy access to covered play and the integration between internal learning and external play has been a success. Hookway still enjoys a good working relationship with the school and act as their maintenance surveyors.
“The whole project has been a complete success from start to finish. Hookway and the builders (HBC) were a pleasure to deal with and the project management was highly professional. It has been open for over a year and teachers and pupils are still excited about the new building it is so well designed in terms of light, space and ventilation that it is a joy to work in. The projecting roof at each end creates fantastic covered play space.” Nigel Bright - Head Teacher