The new extension is formed as a 2 storey CLT frame supported on a suspended RC slab which spans between RC piled ground beams founded within chalk strata. At either end of this are link structures to the existing building, formed using both CLT and lightweight steel frames which supports glazed walls. The below ground drainage system for this building ties into the existing network and uses a Wavin Aquacell attenuation unit as a soakaway for surface water drainage. A new impermeable hard play area is formed on a gradual slope adjacent to the new building. The surface water attenuation for this is located beneath the pitch.
The new extension for Heavers Farm School comprises of a two storey CLT frame extension and a single storey lightweight steel frame which links to the existing building. Due to the large depth of made ground across the site, the building is founded on a series of RC piled ground beams which support a 250mm thick suspended RC slab spanning up to 7m. The CLT structure has a number of internal and perimeter walls which act as shear walls under lateral loads and vertical loadbearing walls under gravity loads from the superstructure.
Lyons O’Neill worked closely with KLH UK to deliver this impressive timber extension to Melbourn Primary School in Cambridgeshire. The single storey extension provides 4 new double storey height classrooms, new staff room, offices, hall and lounge for this expanding primary school. The structure comprises of cross laminated timber walls and roof with steel beam inserted in carefully, considering locations, to create an efficient hybrid solution for this build. Lyons O’Neill’ scope also included the detail design of the timber to timber connections and steelwork to steelwork details.
As part of the EFA framework we worked with Willmott Dixon to produce proposals for the £25m Ryde Academy building. Located near the Northern coast of the Island on an existing school site the logistics and site planning was as much of a key part of the scheme as the structure itself. The key to this structure was using the inherent stability in the long squat elevations to provide light portalised bays. This in conjunction with the ultra-shallow floor beams allowed us to produce a flat soffit which allowed services to pass laterally and for speed of internal fit out. SUDS played a large part in our scheme which saw us using swales and infiltration to minimise outflow from the site.
The new extension for Christ Church, Church of England Primary School comprises of a CLT frame which sits off of a series of RC ground beams which in turn support a 250mm thick suspended RC slab. Wall thicknesses vary according to the vertical loading on them but also act as shear walls under lateral loads. The ground beams are founded on a series of bearing piles which transfer load into the underlying chalk strata. A lightweight steel frame supporting glazing wraps around two sides of the extension to form a link with the existing buildings.
Belmont Infant and junior School is a 2 form entry primary school for children aged 3-11, set within a residential area in the borough of Haringey near Wood Green underground station. The Belmont Infants and Junior schools are separate schools but located adjacent to each other within residential estate adjoining open parkland to the south within the West Green ward. Though the Infant and Junior Schools are separate schools both are located on an approximately ‘bow’ shaped site within a residential estate, adjoining open parkland to the south, within the West Green ward. Both schools share a single street pedestrian and vehicular access off Rusper Road to the north. Belmont Junior School is located to the east side, but there is currently no physical link between the two buildings. The Infant School (Key Stage 1) is single-storey and includes a Nursery. The Junior School (Key Stage 2) is two-storey. An existing temporary ‘mobile’ unit is located in the Nursery play area, adjacent to the Nursery. The Infant school building was built circa 1956, with traditional facing brick walls and timber doors/windows. The roofs are generally flat with mineralised-felt roofing; however, the School Hall has a dual-pitched roof. Later extensions to the main classroom block corridor and staffroom were added in 1985. Generally, the main infant school building appears to be in fairly good condition.
As part of Kingston’s Primary Capital Programme we have worked with the design team to provide the school with 9 new classrooms and a new dining hall structure. The site is surrounded by a number of mature trees and bounded on one side by the railway. These constraints meant understanding the build sequence was an important part of the design process and a combination of minipiles and regular piles allowed us to negate the issue of both the trees and the railway whilst retaining a quick and economical build. The conical roof of the classrooms was created using a series of simple radial timbers in Kertolam timber which allowed the beams to be installed in one complete length. The dining hall is constructed using an exposed glulam timber frame which provides a column free and attractive double height space.
Croydon Council has undertaken the construction of new primary schools throughout the borough to meet their growing educational needs. As part of this, Ark Oval Primary Academy is set to deliver much needed additional space and an additional Canteen on opening. In conjunction with the contractor and modular installer, Lyons O’Neill developed a design for concrete strip foundations which would support the series of loads coming from the two storey modular structure above. Strip foundations were found to provide the most cost effective solution. We also produced drainage and pavement design for the site and identified structural issues with the existing buildings on site.
This project combines a new dining facility for the school and a new children’s centre. Due to the need for the children’s centre to be at ground floor level, the larger dining area overhangs, creating an interesting structural form. We have used pre-fabricated modules to ensure a swift build whilst minimising costs. In addition to the modular build, we have used simple ground improvement techniques to reduce foundation costs.
