We’re back with another instalment of our Project Spotlight series, which showcases the projects we’re currently working on and the engineering techniques involved. In this instalment, we’re delighted to share with you our work at St Dunstan’s College where we’re helping to deliver the civil and structural engineering design of the school’s new junior school, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Centre, and Sixth Form Hub.

Phase 1 

Working in collaboration with Bond Bryan Architects and Willmott Dixon Construction, Phase 1 of the project will see the demolition of an existing school building and the construction of the new junior school. All elements of the new build are designed to house specialist, cutting-edge facilities for art, music and performance. Appropriate sporting facilities will also be delivered across elevated playing areas and two Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), maximising capacity for indoor and outdoor learning.

Phase 2 

Phase 2 will see the delivery of the school’s new STEM Centre and Sixth Form Hub, which will similarly benefit from cutting-edge facilities to consolidate students’ learning through modernity. Notably, this phase aims to provide a university-style environment, where students can gain advantage from independent study spaces, social areas and a cafe.

Context

The project has been described as “the most significant redevelopment” of the college’s sites since it’s foundation was first laid in Catford in 1888. With our decades of experience working on both educational and historic projects, we’re confident in taking on a challenge of such significance to the local community.

Likewise, our understanding and appreciation of a site’s context has been crucial to forming a design that seriously takes into account the needs of those inhabiting the structure for years to come. The school’s contemporary, university-style spaces – which together form a modern central space – clearly demonstrate the ways education design has evolved over the years to reflect the changing ways students’ like to learn. It seems only fitting that St Dunstan’s College was one of the first schools in the world to invest in science and technology laboratories, and we’ve taken care to embed a similar forward-thinking approach into our work.

We’ve been delighted to see this project come to life this year  – due in part to this exciting drone footage from the site – and look forward to keeping you updated on our progress over the coming months.