PEBBLE BROOK SEND SCHOOL – 6TH FORM BLOCK

A new build JCT Design & Build contract.

This project compromised of a complete replacement of an existing 1960 two storey teaching block, building a new facility within the historic building façade shell – a Planning Condition to mitigate flood risk.

Undertaking the role of Principal Contractor, we provided overall project and programme management. Our team oversaw the daily front line management of subcontractors, ensuring that they worked safely and to schedule, within the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Works involved extensive demolition, designing and erecting a new façade retention system.

This project required specialist, complex, full perimeter scaffolding which was a key aspect to this project. Soon after demolition of the upper floors commenced we quickly identified that the building contained significant amounts of asbestos (omitted from previous reports), meaning that an additional enabling phase needed to be undertaken to safely remove and jointly reprioritise programme. Once mitigated, we worked together and with our specialist supply chain with only a minor impact on the original contract start date.

The new building was designed to fit within the original 4 façades, whilst the roof and all the internal floors and walls were demolished and replaced. The large Steel frame, built off-site (MMC), had a structural metal deck and concrete intermediate floors, standing seam roof with aluminium gutters enabling the construction of new classrooms and teaching space over 2 large floors.

Additional works included new car parking spaces and associated external works. In addition Meeting Room Pods were incorporated into the new design, student kitchens and a teaching kitchen was installed, 6 new classrooms were formed over the ground and first floors, including a classroom to teach new life skills and student common rooms.

A new DDA compliant lift was also incorporated into the new structure, a new entrance to the building was designed and installed and two new staircases were designed, manufactured and installed and underfloor heating was incorporated throughout the building.

The school is located within a residential area of Aylesbury, on a tight education campus, Pebble Brook remaining operational throughout construction, a pandemic requirement for SEND students.

The site is located on a very busy trunk road to Oxford with only one restricted entrance through the staff car park and school building entrance. We avoided adjacent entrance to an Academy School, FE College and the University of Buckinghamshire.

Due to the location of the works, we had to form a temporary 150m long haul road across sports pitches and crane bases, which gave access to the site and ensured segregation of site staff and school children. Delivery vehicles were only allowed pre-arranged access to site via our Site Manager with a Banksman on hand to accompany vehicles on & off site.

This project required meticulous communication throughout the project. Pre-construction we met regularly with the school and Buckinghamshire Council, agreeing the delivery strategy to ensure expectations were understood and met. We discussed risks including the requirement for a large temporary haul road to be taken across the sports pitch, successfully achieved without disruption to outdoor sporting activities/lessons.

We hosted ‘Build in a Day’ meetings and site socially distanced inspections, ensuring all drawings were updated throughout to meet programme. The DBS-checked site team participated in school events and assemblies to explain the works being undertaken.

We communicated daily with the school caretaker and weekly with the teachers to ensure the smooth running of the project and school. Our Site Managers were always on site, responding promptly to any queries or questions from the client, school and local residents.

Our team oversaw the daily front line management of subcontractors, ensuring that they worked safely and to schedule, within the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project was completed within the agreed programme, and we worked with the client’s architects to sensitively Value Engineer (VE) areas of the build, improving on costs and programme.

The specialist nature of the scaffolding included in this project make it an excellent example within our portfolio as it demonstrates the complexity of the projects the Alcema team handles with ease.