ETONE COLLEGE, NUNEATON

A new build JCT Design & Build contract comprising the construction of a new additional classroom accommodation.  The standalone block includes 23nr teaching classrooms, reception and staff offices and associated services, with full mechanical and electrical systems.  The finishing touch of soft landscaping, completes the scheme.

The construction of a new classroom accommodation block consisting of 23no. general teaching classrooms, with ancillary space including WC’s and offices.  External works included drainage and cable diversions, photovoltaic solar panels footpaths and soft landscaping.  Building within the Department for Education (energy) Output Specification, the final building provides a high level of performance for reducing the energy demand for the life-cycle of the building.

Sitting centrally within the school site, this posed challenges to access and the health and safety of staff, pupils and visitors. Our solution, after consulting with Warwickshire County Council Transport & Highways, has been to create an alternative access and egress point ensuring secure separation between construction activities and the school pupils and staff.

A secure area for the compound and deliveries was created just off the entrance of the access road and is used for temporary storage of construction materials along with the site office and welfare facilities. This allowed all general deliveries and collections to take place within this area mitigating congestion on the public highway. The compound was segregated to accommodate a pedestrian walkway for visitors and contractors, creating safe access to the main construction area. We segregated and secured areas for storage and waste/recycling management. The site compound was securely located within this construction area, and this also provides a safer option for delivery vehicles.

The installation of noise barrier systems have been in place during key construction areas adjacent to the examination halls, Excessive noisy works have been reprogrammed to suit a more appropriate period of time.

Completed within a live environment, a particular strength of the Alcema Project Team, the programme was developed, working with the staff at Etone school, to carefully plan around existing events/activities mitigating disruptions.

Undertaking the role of Principal Contractor Alcema provided overall project and programme management.

At Project Award, as with all projects, we hosted our ‘Build in a Day’ meeting; walking through the project from conception to practical completion.  This is first opportunity for the team, from all stakeholders, to come together, face-to-face, interrogate the design priorities, understand the project ethos and drivers.  We have held regular meetings with The Matrix Academy Trust, and the Leadership Team at Etone College, discussing a ‘look-ahead’ to all planned activities, and as a result cultivated a trusted, successful relationship.  A schedule of meetings planned throughout the duration ensures transparency with open lines of communications.

Our alternative proposal to use a pedestrian operated crane was positively received, providing the benefit of clean, quiet operation, reducing operational noise during school hours, limiting disruption to lessons and exams. This also ensured materials were delivered direct to point of work, reducing site movements and increasing site safety and reducing the emission of diesel emissions within school boundary.

Meetings held with the clients, consultants and subcontractors with look-ahead plans, programme status updates, and ways of working with the school and students enhanced not only the build experience, but also the student’s vision of the Construction Industry, with regular activities planned to engage with the students. Blending with the values of Etone College events, tying in with stages of the school year / curriculum, included students partaking in work experience, school assemblies / classroom talks & career’s talks / presentations.

The building provides efficiencies in energy outputs, driving down not only energy demand but also costs, whilst providing an inspiring educational environment.