Thomas Sinden were appointed by Wandsworth Borough Council to deliver the expansion of Sacred Heart Primary School, involving construction of a new two storey classroom wing, and remodelling of part of the main school including the school hall. The works were carried out whilst the school remained occupied.
The structure to the new extension was formed using cross laminated timber (CLT). CLT is highly sustainable and locks-in high levels of carbon. The cladding techniques also allow for high levels of insulation to be incorporated, reducing the CO2 emissions from the school in use. Other CO2 reducing measures include low energy lighting; monodraft passive ventilators; sunpipes; low temperature under-floor heating and photovoltaic solar panels.
Part of the works involved refurbishment to the existing building. The first week of work to this phase involved structural enabling works that were extremely noisy and dusty. These works were therefore programmed to coincide with a half-term holiday. This not only reduced the disruption to the school but also provided the half-term period for preparation of the decant areas.
Student engagement
We undertook a school assembly to engage the pupils. Assisted by our company mascot ‘Toolbox Tommy’ the assembly was delivered by our site manager, and focused upon the safety aspects and associated dangers of the building site. The assembly was welcomed by the teaching staff as it provided a platform for various curriculum related projects for the pupils to undertake.